Acromegaly is described by overgrowth of cartilage and connective tissue.

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Multiple Choice

Acromegaly is described by overgrowth of cartilage and connective tissue.

The pattern of tissue changes driven by growth hormone depends on when the hormone is in excess. After the growth plates close, excess GH causes soft-tissue and cartilaginous overgrowth rather than longer bones, leading to thickened, enlarged features and enlarged hands and feet — this describes acromegaly. In this sense, the description “overgrowth of cartilage and connective tissue” fits acromegaly well because it highlights the soft-tissue expansion characteristic of the condition. Gigantism, by contrast, results from GH excess before the growth plates fuse, so the hallmark is unusually tall stature from elongated bones. Dwarfism involves short stature from various causes, not the soft-tissue overgrowth seen in acromegaly. Cushing syndrome is due to excess cortisol and presents with weight gain and metabolic signs, not primarily cartilage overgrowth. So acromegaly is the best match for the description.

The pattern of tissue changes driven by growth hormone depends on when the hormone is in excess. After the growth plates close, excess GH causes soft-tissue and cartilaginous overgrowth rather than longer bones, leading to thickened, enlarged features and enlarged hands and feet — this describes acromegaly. In this sense, the description “overgrowth of cartilage and connective tissue” fits acromegaly well because it highlights the soft-tissue expansion characteristic of the condition. Gigantism, by contrast, results from GH excess before the growth plates fuse, so the hallmark is unusually tall stature from elongated bones. Dwarfism involves short stature from various causes, not the soft-tissue overgrowth seen in acromegaly. Cushing syndrome is due to excess cortisol and presents with weight gain and metabolic signs, not primarily cartilage overgrowth. So acromegaly is the best match for the description.

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