Question

Which of the following leads to dwarfism?
A. Excessive secretion of growth hormone
B. Deficiency of growth hormone
C. Deficiency of thyroxine
D. Excessive secretion of insulin

Answer 1

Dwarfism is a type of low height caused by a hereditary or medical disease. Dwarfism is described as a height of $4$ feet $10$ inches ($147$ cm) or less as an adult. People with dwarfism have an average adult height of$\;4$ feet ($122$ cm). Dwarfism is caused by a variety of medical problems. Genetic defects and hormonal imbalances are the major causes of dwarfism.

Complete answer:
Let us introspect each of the options to find the correct answer.
Option: A – Excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to gigantism or acromegaly during which excessive growth of limbs and height of the individual occurs.
Thus, Option A is not the correct answer.
Option: B – Deficiency of growth hormone leads to dwarfism. Deficiency of growth hormone can be due to genetic mutation or abnormalities in body metabolism.
Thus, Option B is the correct answer.
Option: C – Deficiency of thyroxine leads to hormonal defect called goiter also called hypothyroidism. Goiter is accounted for by an increase in the size of thyroid glands. It has no influence on the growth attributes of a person.
Thus, Option C is also not the correct answer.
Option: D – Excessive secretion of insulin can lead to hypoglycemia and thus have no influence on dwarfism.
Thus, Option D is also not correct.

Hence, option B. Deficiency of growth hormone is the correct answer

Note:
Pituitary gland produces growth hormones. Growth hormone (GH or HGH), sometimes called somatotropin or somatropin, is a peptide hormone that increases human and animal growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. Dwarfism develops when growth hormone is deficient or absent. Dwarfism can lead to various complications like shortness of breath, sleep apnea etc.