Question

Which of the following statements concerning growth hormone (GH) are correct?

• A. Excess growth hormone can affect both adults and children
• B. The production of growth hormone is stimulated by GH-RH from the hypothalamus
• C. Deficiency of growth hormone in children causes dwarfism
• D. The deficiency of growth hormone affects only children; it has no effect on adults

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A Excess growth hormone can affect both adults and children
B The production of growth hormone is stimulated by GH-RH from the hypothalamus
C Deficiency of growth hormone in children causes dwarfism

The production of Growth hormone is stimulated by SRH or GH-RH from the hypothalamus. It is responsible for stimulating the growth of the entire body. Deficiency of growth hormone has different effects depending on the age of the person. This is because of its pivotal role during the period of growth during childhood. At a younger age, deficiency of this hormone results in dwarfism characterized by stunting of growth, short stature, slight obesity, and delayed onset of puberty. Excess of growth hormone affects adults and children differently. In children it causes gigantism. This excess in growth hormone leads to excessive linear growth, causing the individual to be very tall, with abnormally large hands and feet and coarse facial features including a prominent forehead and jaw. An excess of growth hormone is seen in adults as well and is known as acromegaly. Sufferers of this disease show increased periosteal bone growth, organomegaly, as well as glucose intolerance as the growth hormone is responsible for preventing glucose uptake into cells.