GIGANTISM. - The term denotes a particular development of bodily proportions and especially of height beyond the limits of normal individual fluctuating variability.
Man's stature is a variable element within fixed limits tied to climatic and hereditary factors, particularly of race. Setting aside the extreme measurements peculiar to certain peoples — the Pygmies of Africa (Akka) with an average stature of 138 cm., the Scots of Galloway and the north with an average stature of 178-79 cm. — it may be said that the normal variations in the height of mankind oscillate between 154 and 175 cm., with an average of 165 cm. Departing notably from this average, one passes into abnormal conditions in nanism (v.), with statures below 125 cm., and in gigantism above 199 cm.
In gigantism the stature can reach and surpass two and a half meters, with the proportions of the other diameters of the body remaining harmonious, or with the body assuming particular disharmonies through the addition of signs of acromegaly (v. ENDOCRINE, GLANDULAR). It is rarely familial; in its pure form it is exclusive to the male sex and represents for the individual a true mark of inferiority; the subject, in fact, in a third of cases, is affected by diabetes, is muscularly asthenic, presents a particular organic fragility; he resists diseases poorly, is of scant psychic worth ("homo longus raro sapiens") and of feeble will. With this picture, signs of infantilism and hypogenitalism with impotence (v.) are often found associated. The life of giants is short; they rarely surpass 30-40 years; all this in contrast with the belief and the mythological and heroic descriptions that made giants beings of particular physical strength and supernormal valor.
Gigantism is currently attributed exclusively to hyperfunction of the anterior portion of the hypophysis with hyperformation of the growth hormone (somatotrophic hormone, STH), which makes its stimulating action felt on skeletal development.
Bibliography3 works
Giuseppe de Ninno