Question

Presence of toxic agents in the food which can interfere with thyroxine synthesis can lead to the development of

• A. Cretinism
• B. Simple goitre
• C. Thyrotoxicosis
• D. Toxic goitre

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Simple goitre

Simple goitre is the enlargement of thyroid gland which occurs due to deficiency of iodine in the body. Iodine is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormone i.e. thyroxine. When the iodine levels are low or there is less synthesis of thyroxine, thyroid gland becomes hyper active and enlarged to compensate the deficiency of thyroxine in the body. The enlarged thyroid gland is visible as a swelling in the throat known as goitre.

So, the correct answer is 'Simple goitre'.