Which disease is caused by decreased function of the anterior pituitary gland?

Prepare for the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam (NDHCE) with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready now!

Addison's disease is caused by decreased function of the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, rather than the anterior pituitary gland. It results from the adrenal glands not producing enough hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone.

The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for producing several hormones that regulate various functions in the body, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes. When there is a decreased function of the anterior pituitary, it can lead to hypopituitarism, which may potentially result in conditions associated with the deficiency of hormones like growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Conditions listed like Hashimoto's thyroiditis involves autoimmune attacks on the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Cushing's syndrome results from excess cortisol, typically due to overproduction from the adrenal glands or an ACTH-secreting tumor from the pituitary, and hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland producing excess thyroid hormones.

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