- published: 02 Nov 2015
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Dwarfism ( /ˈdwɔrfɪzəm/) is when an individual is short in stature resulting from a medical condition caused by problems that arise in the pituitary gland in which the growth of the individual is very slowed or delayed. Dwarfism is sometimes defined as an adult height of less than 147 cm (58 inches), although this definition is problematic because short stature in itself is not a disorder. For example, in pygmy populations, a body height of less than 150 cm (59 inches) is normal.
Dwarfism can be caused by about 200 distinct medical conditions, such that the symptoms and characteristics of individual people with dwarfism vary greatly. In the United States, Canada and New Zealand, many people with dwarfism prefer to be called little people.
Disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by one or more body parts being relatively large or small in comparison to those of an average-sized adult, with growth variations in specific areas being apparent. In cases of proportionate dwarfism, the body appears normally proportioned, but is unusually small. Historically, the term midget was used to describe "proportionate dwarfs"; however, this term is now often regarded as offensive and pejorative (see terminology). Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, is common in dwarfs, but intelligence and lifespan are usually normal.