Question

The diagram given below represents the location and structure of an endocrine gland. Study the same and answer the questions that follow-

1. Name the endocrine gland shown in the diagram.
2. Name the secretion of the gland which regulates basal metabolism.
3. Name the mineral element required for the synthesis of the above mentioned hormone.
4. Name the disease caused due to under secretion of the above mentioned hormone in children.
5. Name the disease caused due to hypersecretion of the above mentioned hormone.
   

Answer 1

1) Identification of endocrine gland

1. The above diagram shows the thyroid gland.
2. It is situated in the front of the neck region above the trachea and below the larynx.

2) Secretion of the gland

1. The thyroid gland secretes thyroxine.
2. Thyroxine maintains the basal metabolism i.e. the rate at which energy is used to keep the body warm and maintain the important metabolic functions when the body is at rest.
3. This hormone is secreted and stored in the thyroid gland before being released into the bloodstream.

3) Mineral required for the hormone

1. Thyroxine secretion needs the mineral iodine.
2. Iodine deficiency leads to hyposecretion of thyroxine.

4) Under secretion of the hormone

1. Under secretion or hyposecretion of thyroxine in children causes cretinism.
2. Cretinism is characterized by a reduction in the growth of the body, mental and sexual development retardation, pot belly, incoordination in gait, large head, low body temperature, and blood pressure.

5) Hypersecretion of the hormone

1. Hypersecretion of thyroxine causes Grave’s disease or exophthalmic goiter. This occurs due to failure in the feedback system associated with thyroxine hypersecretion.
2. Grave’s disease is characterized by diffused swelling in the neck region, increased basal metabolic rate, nervousness, increased sweating, eyeball protrusion, and rapid irregular heartbeat.