Question

A pregnant female delivers a baby who suffers from stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, and abnormal skin. This is the result of:

• A. oversecretion of pars distalis
• B. cancer of the thyroid gland
• C. low secretion of growth hormone
• D. deficiency of iodine in the diet

Answer 1

The correct option is D

deficiency of iodine in the diet

The correct option is D.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and iodine deficiency during pregnancy causes hypothyroidism leading to defective growth and development of the fetus.
2. The condition is known as cretinism and it is characterized by stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, and abnormal skin.
3. Iodine is a crucial chemical that the body needs.
4. It must be obtained through diet since the body cannot produce it.
5. The thyroid gland is primarily responsible for the body's need for iodine.
6. It is a crucial component in the creation of thyroid hormones.
7. Iodine shortage causes the body to release thyroid hormone abnormally.
8. This causes complications relating to pregnancy.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Pars distalis also known as the anterior pituitary gland is known to secrete the majority of the pituitary hormones.
2. It secretes Growth Hormone (GH), Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) or Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICTH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Prolactin (PRL).

Option B:

1. Cancer of the thyroid gland causes hyperthyroidism where there is excess secretion of the thyroid hormones.
2. Hypersecretion of thyroid hormones causes Grave's disease and increases the metabolic rate resulting in excessive weight loss.
3. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy cause premature childbirth, and low birth weight of the baby.

Option C:

1. Hyposecretion of GH does not significantly affect the fetal and maternal bodies.

Final answer: A pregnant female delivers a baby who suffers from stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, and abnormal skin. This is the result of a deficiency of iodine in the diet.