Final answer:
Pituitary dwarfism is a genetic condition in children resulting from low levels of growth hormone (GH), leading to reduced growth and short stature, but with normal intellectual and sexual development. It's caused by hyposecretion of GH by the pituitary gland, which can be due to genetic mutations, structural defects, or damage from tumors or radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Pituitary Dwarfism
Pituitary dwarfism is a disorder in children caused by an abnormally low production of the growth hormone (GH). GH is crucial for stimulating growth during childhood, and its hyposecretion can lead to pituitary dwarfism. This condition is characterized by a significantly reduced growth rate resulting in a uniformly short stature, yet individuals typically have fully developed mental and sexual capacities.
The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is responsible for the production of GH. Deficiencies in GH can occur due to genetic mutations, structural defects in the pituitary gland, or damage from tumors or radiation. It's important to note that underproduction of GH in adults does not cause significant abnormalities, but it is critical for child development.
Lack of GH leads to a failure to develop properly, including lack of musculinization and atrophy of sex organs in later life if the condition is due to secondary causes such as pituitary defects. Symmetric body formation is a typical characteristic of this condition, and in severe cases, individuals may be under 30 inches in height.