Acromegaly is a disease caused by

Options

A. over secretion of growth hormone in adulthood
B. over secretion of growth hormone in childhood
C. under secretion of growth hormone in adulthood
D. under secretion of growth hormone in childhood

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Acromegaly**: Acromegaly is a condition that occurs in adults and is characterized by the abnormal growth of bones and tissues. It primarily affects the hands, feet, and face.

2. **Role of Growth Hormone**: The growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is responsible for growth and development in the body. It is secreted by the pituitary gland.

3. **Cause of Acromegaly**: Acromegaly is caused by the over secretion (hypersecretion) of growth hormone in adulthood. This means that there is an excess amount of growth hormone present in the body after the growth plates have closed.

4. **Effects of Excess Growth Hormone**: In adults, the overproduction of growth hormone does not result in increased height (as the long bones have stopped growing), but it leads to the enlargement of certain body parts, particularly the hands, feet, jaws, and facial features.

5. **Differentiating Acromegaly from Gigantism**: It is important to differentiate acromegaly from gigantism. Gigantism occurs due to over secretion of growth hormone during childhood, leading to excessive height growth. In contrast, acromegaly occurs after the growth plates have closed, resulting in the thickening and enlargement of bones and tissues.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the disease acromegaly is caused by the over secretion of growth hormone in adulthood.

**Final Answer**: Acromegaly is caused by the over secretion of growth hormone in adulthood.

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