General Question

quarkquarkquark's avatar

What truly determines human growth?

Asked by quarkquarkquark (1695points) December 21st, 2008

I know this is an unusually technical question, but I was reading about Gheorge Muresan, the 7’7” Romanian basketball player. He got so tall because he had a brain tumor stimulating his pituitary gland. I had thought that when growth plates fuse, that’s the end of growth, regardless of pituitary activity. If Muresan was born with normal growth plates, how could the pituitary gland have caused such ridiculous growth?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

shilolo's avatar

Because it released excessive growth hormone. His disorder in not unusual, and is known as acromegaly.

shilolo (18075points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Judi's avatar

Doesn’t DHEA have something to do with it?

Judi (40025points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
quarkquarkquark's avatar

But I thought growth depended on growth plates. How can someone grow if their growth plates have fused?

quarkquarkquark (1695points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Judi's avatar

Heck if I know, any Biology majors out there?

Judi (40025points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
shilolo's avatar

Here you go… Feel free to comment here or send me a PM with follow up questions.

shilolo (18075points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther