Dwarf

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Dwarf

Dwarf (/dwɔːrf/), from the Old English dweorg, is a term used in medicine to refer to a person of short stature, specifically an adult whose height is less than 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm) due to a medical or genetic condition.

Etymology

The term "dwarf" originates from the Old English dweorg, which was used to describe a being from Germanic mythology that dwells in the earth and is associated with wisdom, smithing, mining, and crafting. In the medical context, it has been used since the 19th century to describe individuals with certain medical or genetic conditions that result in short stature.

Medical Context

In the medical context, dwarfism is typically caused by a genetic mutation. The most common type of dwarfism is Achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate short stature. Other types of dwarfism include Diastrophic dysplasia, Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, and Pseudoachondroplasia.

Dwarfism can also be caused by hormonal deficiencies, malnutrition, or a disease of the kidneys or liver. In some cases, the cause of dwarfism is unknown.

Related Terms

  • Short stature: A general term used to describe a height that is significantly below the average height for a person's age, sex, racial group, or family.
  • Growth hormone deficiency: A medical condition in which the body does not produce enough growth hormone, leading to delayed or slowed growth.
  • Achondroplasia: A type of short-limbed dwarfism.
  • Primordial dwarfism: A form of dwarfism that results in a smaller body size in all stages of life beginning from before birth.

See Also

External links

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