Question

which of the following conditions is characterized by arrested physical and mental development?
a dwarfism
b congenital hypothyroidism
c acromegaly
d gigantism

Explanation:

• Dwarfism: Usually due to growth hormone deficiency, mainly affects physical growth (short stature), but mental development is typically normal.
• Congenital hypothyroidism: Lack of thyroid hormone in infancy. Thyroid hormone is crucial for both physical (e.g., bone growth) and mental (e.g., brain development) development. Without adequate thyroid hormone early - on, there is arrested physical (e.g., stunted growth) and mental (e.g., intellectual disability if untreated) development.
• Acromegaly: Occurs in adults due to excessive growth hormone. It causes abnormal growth of hands, feet, and facial features, but does not involve arrested physical and mental development from childhood.
• Gigantism: Due to excessive growth hormone in childhood, causes over - growth (tall stature), but mental development is not arrested.

Answer:

B. congenital hypothyroidism