Question

A fully mature adult had his pituitary surgically removed. Which of these would be the end result?

A. No growth
B. No water regulation
C. all of these
D. No immunity
E. No gonads

Answer 1

Removal of the pituitary gland in an adult would result in several hormonal imbalances, most notably the lack of water regulation due to the absence of ADH release.

Step-by-step explanation:

The removal of the pituitary gland from a fully mature adult would lead to several consequences due to the pituitary's role in the regulation of various hormones. After the removal of the pituitary gland:

1. No growth - Although growth in height would not be affected in a mature adult as growth plates have already fused, growth hormone has other effects on body composition, metabolism, and muscle mass that would be impacted.
2. No water regulation - The pituitary gland releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is essential for water regulation in the kidneys. Lack of ADH would imbalance water retention and could lead to diabetes insipidus.
3. No immunity - While the pituitary gland does influence the immune system indirectly, its removal does not directly result in a loss of immunity.
4. No gonads - The removal would affect gonadotropin hormones, leading to issues with sexual function and possibly infertility, but does not mean the physical gonads would disappear.

Thus, the end result of pituitary removal would be 'No water regulation', among other issues not listed in the options.