Question

State one visible effect of: [5 MARKS]
(i) Cushing's syndrome
(ii) Addison's disease
(iii) Simple goitre
(iv) Myxoedema
(v) Adrenal Virilism in:
(a) Females (b) Prepubertal male

Answer 1

Each Part: 1 Mark

(i) Cushing's syndrome: It is caused by the hypersecretion of glucocorticoids and the condition is characterized by the redistribution of fat. 'The result is spindly legs accompanied by moonface, buffalo hump on the back and pendulous abdomen. Facial skin is flushed and stretch marks appear on the skin of the abdomen. Other symptoms include hypertension, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, weakness etc.

(ii) Addison's disease: It is caused due to undersecretion of the adrenal cortex (glucocorticoids). In the early stage of the disease, symptoms are dark pigmentation of the skin (especially hand, neck, face), loss of energy, increased sensitivity to cold and pains, susceptibility to infections, etc.

(iii) Disproportionate swelling of the neck.

(iv) Facial muscles swell and look puffy.

(v) (a) Growth of beard.
(b) Rapid development of sexual organs and desires.