Question

Which one of the following statements matches correctly with the gland ?

• A. Pineal - secretes more melatonin during the day and lesser at night
• B. Thyroid – hyperactivity in young children causes cretinism
• C. Thymus – starts undergoing atrophy after puberty
• D. Parathyroid - secretes parathormone that promotes movement of Ca2+ ions from blood into bones during calcification.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Thymus – starts undergoing atrophy after puberty

Thymus gland- After puberty, the thymus starts to slowly shrink and become replaced by fat and it stimulates the development of disease-fighting T cells. Thymus is degenerated in old individuals resulting in a decreased production of thymosins. As a result, the immune responses of old persons become weak.

Pineal gland secretes melatonin hormone, also called the sleep hormone as it promotes sleep. Melatonin secretion is light mediated such that its secretion is higher during the night and low during the day.

Thyroid - deficiency/hypothyroidism of thyroid hormone in young children causes cretinism. It causes abnormal growth and development, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin, deaf-mutism, etc. of the child.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) - It is released by parathyroid gland. It increases the Ca2+ levels in the blood. When the blood calcium level falls below normal. It causes reabsorption of calcium from the bones (dissolution/demineralization).