Question

Deficiency of which hormone during early infancy causes cretinism?

• A. Thyroxin
• B. Estrogen
• C. Adrenalin
• D. Insulin

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Thyroxin

The correct option is option A:

Explanation for the correct option:

Thyroxin:

1. It is a steroid hormone also known as Tetraiodothyronine.
2. Thyroid gland secretes it into the bloodstream.
3. Thyroid hormones play vital roles in regulating the metabolic rate, growth, development of the body.
4. Hypothyroidism or low secretion of thyroxin in children cause cretinism in which a child becomes physically and mentally weak and pot-belled.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option B:

Estrogen:

1. It is a female sex hormone secreted by ovaries.
2. Both men and women produce estrogen but in females it regulate menstrual cycle and help in stimulation of egg follicle.
3. Estrogen level decreases during menopause.

Option C:

Adrenalin:

1. It is also known as epinephrine and secreted by adrenal medulla.
2. It is a stress hormone released when amygdala sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus which signals the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline.

Option D:

Insulin

1. It is a antidiabetic hormone and secreted by beta cells of pancreas.
2. It maintains normal blood glucose level.
3. It converts glucose into glycogen and this glycogen is stored by muscle and liver.
4. Low secretion of insulin causes hyperglycemia (diabetes mellitus)

Final Answer: Hence,deficiency of thyroxin causes cretinism in early infancy.