Question

What would be the effect produced if:

The thyroid does not function properly.

Answer 1

The following effects are produced if the thyroid does not function properly:

1. Low secretion (hyposecretion) of thyroid hormone (thyroxine) leads to simple goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck region) and shows lowered (20-30%) basal metabolic rate (BMR).
2. Slow respiration rate, blood pressure becomes lower than normal and individuals feel cold, tired, and sluggish.
3. In children, it causes dwarfism with serious mental retardation (cretinism).
4. The child may be potbellied (enlarged, swollen abdomen) and pigeon-chested, and has a bulging tongue.
5. In adults it causes myxedema which is characterized by puffiness of the skin, the person looks dull and lacks alertness and intelligence.