Question

Explain the disorder caused by the malfunctioning of the pituitary gland.

Answer 1

The malfunctioning of the pituitary gland primarily involves the abnormal secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), resulting in the following disorders:

• Gigantism: This condition is caused by the hypersecretion (over-secretion) of Growth Hormone during childhood. It leads to the overstimulation of skeletal growth, making the individual extraordinarily tall with elongated limbs.
• Dwarfism: This condition is caused by the hyposecretion (under-secretion) of Growth Hormone during childhood. It results in stunted physical growth, though mental development remains completely normal.
• Diabetes Insipidus: This disorder is caused by the hyposecretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary. A deficiency of ADH reduces water reabsorption in the kidney tubules, causing frequent, dilute urination (polyuria) and intense thirst (polydipsia).