Question

Give scientific reasons for the following statement-

People living in hilly regions usually suffer from simple goitre.

Answer 1

Simple goitre:

1. Goiter occurs due to the deficiency of the thyroxine hormone.
2. Thyroxine is secreted by the thyroid gland present in the neck region.
3. Hyposecretion of thyroxine results due to iodine deficiency.

Goitre in the hilly region:

1. People living in hilly regions do not consume seafood, a rich source of iodine in their staple diet.
2. Moreover, soil in the hilly region is deficient in iodine. The crops cultivated there do not contain iodine.
3. Thus, iodine lacks in the diet of people of the hilly region. This results in hyposecretion of thyroxine.
4. Hence, people living in hilly regions usually suffer from simple goitre.