What gland is responsible for acromegaly due to increased function?

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from an excess of growth hormone, typically caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, known as an adenoma. The pituitary gland is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in regulating various hormones, including growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bones and tissues.

In cases of acromegaly, the increased function of the pituitary gland leads to an overproduction of growth hormone, which then causes the characteristic enlargement of the bones and tissues, particularly in the hands, feet, and face.

Understanding this background highlights the importance of the pituitary gland in the development of acromegaly, distinguishing it from the other glands mentioned, which do not primarily regulate growth hormone secretion. The thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland is involved in the stress response and metabolism, and the parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels, none of which lead to the increased levels of growth hormone associated with acromegaly.