Question
Question: The cause of cretinism is_________. A. Hypothyroidism B. Hypoparathyroidism C. Hyperthyroidism...
The cause of cretinism is_________.
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hypoparathyroidism
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism
Solution
The condition of cretinism is characterized by stunted physical and mental growth. Hypothyroidism is commonly found in infants. Congenital hypothyroidism is also called cretinism. It is caused due to lack of iodine in the mother’s body during pregnancy.
Complete answer:
Deficiency of specific hormones can cause various disorders. Due to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones (congenital hypothyroidism) the cretinism can occur in the body.
Thyroid gland secrete thyroxin hormone which regulates the iodine concentration in the body. The importance of thyroid gland and function discovered. The untreated congenital hypothyroidism can cause cretinism. The major cause of endemic cretinism is iodine deficiency. Swelling usually refers to the goiters.
A condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial hormones is called hypothyroidism. It does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stage. It is found mostly in infants. The low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced by the body can cause hypoparathyroidism. It is used to regulate and maintain a balance of two minerals: calcium and phosphorus in the body. Hyperthyroidism occurs when thyroxine hormone is produced.
When one or more of the parathyroid glands become overactive the hyperparathyroidism can occur in the body. Secretion of parathyroid hormone increases. This condition is called as hypercalcemia.
From the above information we have found that the cause of cretinism is hypothyroidism.
Hence, the correct answer is option (A).
Note: Congenital hypothyroidism in newborns can be caused by: a genetic defect that affects thyroid hormone production, too little iodine in the mother’s diet during pregnancy, radioactive iodine or antithyroid treatment for thyroid cancer during pregnancy or use of medicines that disrupt thyroid hormone production. Our body does not make iodine; we should take it from food.