Question

Acromegaly is caused by
A. Excess of STH
B. Excess of thyroxine
C. Deficiency of thyroxine
D. Excess of adrenalin

Answer 1

Hint: Acromegaly is characterized by facial and limb disfigurement like abnormal elongation of limbs and lower jaw, giving gorilla-like appearance and kyphosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, protruding bony ridges over the eyes.

Complete answer: Pituitary is a small sized, pea-shaped, pinkish colored gland that lies in a depression called Sella turcica of skull. It is anatomically divided into posterior and anterior pituitary that secrete different hormones. Posterior pituitary secretes only oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone while anterior pituitary secretes six hormones- FSH, ADH, Prolactin, TSH, growth hormone, and corticotropin.
STH stands for somatotropin hormone or human growth hormone secreted by the pars distalis region of anterior pituitary. Acromegaly occurs due to the over secretion of STH in adults. If untreated, it may lead to premature death.
Thyroid is the largest endocrine gland that lies on the ventral and lateral sides of the upper part of the trachea. It secretes two hormones thyroxine and thyrocalcitonin. Cretinism and myxoedema occurs due to deficiency of thyroxine in adults. Low metabolic rate, low body temperature, reduced heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output are some of the effects of less secretion of thyroxine in the body.
Hyperthyroidism causes excess secretion of thyroxine. It occurs due to cancer of thyroid gland and causes exophthalmic goitre or Graves’ disease. It is characterized by increased heart rate, pulse rate, cardiac output, increased body temperature, etc.
Adrenal gland secretes various hormones like adrenaline, nor adrenaline, aldosterone, sex corticoids like androgens and estrogens.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Hormones are the biologically active, chemical substances that act as chemical messengers and are secreted in small amounts to maintain the normal physiology and functions of the body. Hormonal disorders cause disease or defects in the body.