Enlargement of the extremities is called?

• A. Abduction
• B. Abdomen
• C. Adipose
• D. Acromegaly

Answer: (D)

Enlargement of the extremities is called acromegaly. The word comes from acro- meaning extremity and -megaly meaning enlargement, capturing the idea of thickened hands, feet, and facial features that occur when excess growth hormone is produced in adulthood. After the growth plates in the long bones have closed, extra growth hormone causes the bones of the hands, feet, and face to broaden and the soft tissues to enlarge, leading to noticeable changes such as enlarged hands and feet and a protruding jaw or brow. This differs from gigantism, which happens if growth hormone excess occurs before the growth plates fuse, resulting in overall excessive height rather than just thickening of existing structures.

Other terms don’t describe this pattern: abduction is a movement away from the midline, abdomen refers to the belly area, and adipose is fat tissue. Acromegaly specifically describes the characteristic enlargement of the extremities and facial features in adults.