Question

Acromegaly and Giantism are both bone disorders associated with Growth Hormone. Describe the effects of Acromegaly on the bones of the skull, and how these effects differ from the effects of Giantism on the bones of the appendicular skeleton.

Answer 1

Acromegaly is a disorder that occurs due to excessive secretion of growth hormone before the epiphyseal closure whereas gigantism is also the same disorder that occurs due to excessive secretion of growth hormone after the epiphyseal closure.

Effects of acromegaly on the bones of the skull:-

• Calvarial thickening, particularly of the inner side
• Enlargement of the bones in the jaws
• Frontal bossing
• Enlarged paranasal sinuses
• An enlarged sella turcica.
• Facial features gradually become coarse
• Facial bones gradually become prominent
• The lower jaw protrudes (prognathism), and an underbite may cause a wide separation and misalignment between the teeth (malocclusion)