What is lanugo in the context of anorexia nervosa?

Prepare for the Psychiatry Core Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations for a better understanding. Ace your test with confidence!

In the context of anorexia nervosa, lanugo refers to the fine, soft hair that may develop on the body as a physiological response to extreme weight loss and malnutrition. When the body undergoes significant weight loss, particularly in cases like anorexia nervosa, it can enter a state where it attempts to conserve heat and protect vital organs due to a lack of insulating fat. Lanugo serves this purpose by providing some warmth in the absence of sufficient body fat. This phenomenon is often seen in individuals with severe cases of anorexia, highlighting the body's attempt to adapt to the harsh conditions created by starvation.

The presence of lanugo can indicate the severity of an individual's eating disorder and reflect their compromised physiological state. It doesn't relate to increased muscle mass, severe weight loss specifically, or skin lesions, which are not characteristic of this adaptive response. Understanding lanugo is important in recognizing the physical manifestations of anorexia nervosa and the body's attempt to cope with extreme caloric deprivation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy