L2.6.1: Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus

• Diabetes Insipidus


  ■ Excessive urine output caused by hyposecretion of ADH

  ■ People with this condition are continually thirsty and drink huge amounts of water
• Pituitary Dwarfism


  ■ Result of hyposecretion of GH during childhood

  ■ Body proportions are fairly normal but the person as a whole is a living miniature

  ■ Maximum adult height is 4 ft
• Gigantism


  ■ Result of hypersecretion of GH during childhood

  ■ Body proportions are also fairly normal

  ■ Extremely tall; 8-9 ft is common
• Acromegaly


  ■ Result if hypersecretion of GH still occurs after long-bone growth has ended

  ■ The facial bones like lower jaw and bony ridges, and the feet and hands all enlarge tremendously
• Sterility


  ■ Result of hyposecretion of FSH or LH

  ■ Lack of ability to successfully reproduce

  ■ On the other hand, hypersecretion DOES NOT appear to cause any problems