Question

Disease caused by the deficiency of Iodine is
A. Goiter
B. Myxedema
C. Cretinism
D. Tetany

Answer 1

Hint: Deficiency of Iodine causes the synthesis of the thyroxine hormone to be compromised due to which the thyroid gland swells and there is a big lump on the neck. Also, hypothyroidism leads to Goiter.

Complete answer:
Goiter –
It is also known as simple Goiter. It is a hypothyroidism disease. Goiter is caused due to the deficiency of the mineral iodine in the body. This is because the iodine in the body is essential for the normal synthesis of the thyroxine hormone. When there is a deficiency of the iodine then the normal synthesis of thyroxine hormone is hampered. Due to this the thyroid gland swells and enlarges.
Myxedema –
It is also known as Gull’s disease. It is a hypothyroidism disease. It is caused due to low production of thyroid hormones. Patients with myxedema have a puffy appearance and they lack alertness and intelligence. These patients have a low metabolic rate, slow heart rate, and low body temperatures. It is cured by administering patients with thyroid hormones.
Cretinism –
It is hypothyroidism disease. It is caused due to a failure of thyroid secretion from childhood. The physical and mental growth is retarded. The patient has a pot-like belly and pigeon chest, and protruding tongue. It can be cured by administering patients with thyroid hormones.
Tetany –
It is also known as Parathyroid Tetany. It is a Hypoparathyroidism disease. The parathyroid glands fail to secrete sufficient amounts of parathormone. Due to this, the concentration of calcium ions falls abnormally in the plasma. This produces sustained contractions of the muscles of the larynx, hands, feet, and face.

Thus, the disease caused by the deficiency of iodine is Goiter. Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Simple goiter should not be confused with Exophthalmic goiter. Exophthalmic goiter is also known as Grave’s disease. It is a hyperthyroidism disease. Here the thyroid gland is enlarged along with the bulging eyeballs. It is an autoimmune disease. Thus, it is a genetic disorder.