Question

add a note on deficiency of thyroxine.

Answer 1

Deficiency of thyroxine:
a. Cretinism:
In childhood, deficiency of thyroxine causes cretinism.
It leads to retardation of physical and mental growth of the child.
Patient has low I.Q. (mentally retarded), delayed puberty, dwarfism and sterility.
b. Myxoedema (Gull’s disease):
In adults, deficiency of thyroxine causes myxoedema.
It causes thickening and puffiness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Patient has low BMR, low body temperature, reduced heart rate, low pulse rate and BP, low
blood sugar and iodine level, increased body weight.
It also causes mental dullness (loss of memory), falling of hairs, dry skin and intolerance of
cold.
c. Simple goiter (Iodine deficiency goiter or endemic goiter):
Deficiency of iodine in diet or drinking water causes simple goiter.
It causes enlargement of thyroid gland (15 times or more) for synthesis of thyroxine hormone.
It is commonly found in hilly regions.