dwarfism

(noun)

a condition caused by a lack of growth hormone, resulting in short stature and limbs that are disproportionately small in relation to the body

Related Terms

Examples of dwarfism in the following topics:

  • Regulation of the Cell Cycle by External Events

    • A lack of HGH can inhibit cell division, resulting in dwarfism, whereas too much HGH can result in gigantism .
    • Commodore Nut (right) was a famous circus performer afflicted with dwarfism.

  • Hormonal Regulation of Growth

    • Underproduction of GH in adults does not appear to cause any abnormalities, but in children it can result in pituitary dwarfism, in which growth is reduced.
    • Pituitary dwarfism is characterized by symmetric body formation.