Final answer:
A balanced production of growth hormone (GH) is crucial for growth. Abnormal levels of GH can lead to pituitary dwarfism (underproduction) or gigantism/acromegaly (overproduction). A person with normal height and pituitary function likely does not have a GH-related disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
A balanced production of growth hormone (GH) is essential for proper physiological development. In children, underproduction of GH can lead to pituitary dwarfism, a condition where growth is significantly reduced and individuals may be under 30 inches in height.
This is a result of growth hormone deficiency affecting symmetric body growth. In contrast, oversecretion of GH during childhood can result in gigantism, leading to abnormally tall stature, and in some cases, individuals may exceed eight feet in height. If such GH excess occurs in adulthood, it can cause acromegaly, characterized by the enlargement of bones in the face, hands, and feet.
It is important to clarify that a person whose height falls within the normal range and whose pituitary gland functions normally does not indicate a disorder of the pituitary gland related to GH.