Which of the following hormones is responsible for gigantism?

Options

A. Growth hormone
B. Somatostatin
C. Adrenaline
D. GnRH

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Gigantism**: Gigantism is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average. It primarily occurs in children and is due to an overproduction of certain hormones.

2. **Identifying the Hormone**: The hormone responsible for growth in the body is the growth hormone (GH), which is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

3. **Mechanism of Action**: The growth hormone stimulates growth in various tissues, including skeletal and muscular systems. An excess of this hormone leads to abnormal growth, particularly in long bones, resulting in the condition known as gigantism.

4. **Analyzing Other Hormones**:
- Somatostatin is a hormone that inhibits the secretion of growth hormone and is not responsible for gigantism.
- Adrenaline is involved in the body's fight-or-flight response and does not influence growth.
- GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) stimulates the secretion of hormones related to reproduction and does not affect growth directly.

5. **Conclusion**: Since the condition of gigantism is directly linked to the overproduction of growth hormone, the correct answer to the question is the growth hormone.

**Final Answer**: The hormone responsible for gigantism is the **growth hormone**.

---