Cushing's syndrome is the result of the excessive production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. An overproduction of corticotropin (ACTH) - the hormone that controls the adrenal gland - by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, may be one cause. It is called Cushing's disease and the result of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Alt.
deficiency. a lack or shortage; a condition characterized by the presence of less than the normal or necessary supply or competence. color vision deficiency see color vision deficiency.
any of a group of substances that are essential, in small quantities, for the normal functioning of metabolism in the body. They cannot usually be synthesized in the body but they occur naturally in certain foods: insufficient supply of any particular vitamin results in a deficiency disease.