Question

Choose the correct answer from the four options given below.

Cretinism and myxoedema are due to

• A. hypersecretion of thyroxine
• B. hypersecretion of growth hormone
• C. hyposecretion of thyroxine
• D. hyposecretion of growth hormone

Answer 1

The correct option is C

hyposecretion of thyroxine

The correct option is C:

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Thyroxine is the hormone produced in the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. It plays an important role in digestion, heart and muscle function, brain development, and bone maintenance.
2. The thyroid gland that produces too little thyroxine is called hypothyroidism.
3. Cretinism is a severe mental and physical retardation caused by iodine deficiency, and more specifically, thyroid hormone deficiency during early pregnancy.
4. Myxedema is a condition that happens when the body doesn't secrete sufficient thyroid hormone.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A:

Hypersecretion of thyroxine is known as thyrotoxicosis and it causes inflammation of the thyroid, Grave's disease, or a benign tumor.

Option B:

Hypersecretion of growth hormone results in acromegaly (abnormal thickness of bones in adulthood) and gigantism (extreme growth of bone in childhood).

Option D:

Hyposecretion of growth hormone leads to pituitary dwarfism (stunted growth).

Final answer: Cretinism and myxoedema are due to hyposecretion of thyroxine.