Question

What will happen if:
(a) The adrenal gland is removed.
(b) Blood sugar level falls.
(c) Thyroid gland does not function properly.
[3 marks]

Answer 1

(a) If adrenal gland is removed:
(i) The body will not be able to regulate carbohydrate, protein, fat and mineral metabolism. (0.25 mark)
(ii) The kidney will fail to retain sodium. (0.25 mark)
(iii) The secondary sexual characters will be poorly developed in males. (0.25 mark)
(iv) The body will not be able to face emergency situations (stress and strain). (0.25 mark)

(b) If blood sugar level falls, it will result in sweating, tremor, increased heartbeat, hunger, and weakness. In extreme cases, it may result in insulin shock (coma). (1 mark)

(c) If thyroid gland does not function properly, it will produce disorders such as cretinism, myxoedema, simple goitre or exophthalmic goitre.(1 mark)