Question

Name the disorder caused by the deficiency of thyroxine in adult humans.

Answer 1

Hint: The thyroid gland is an important portion of the endocrine system, secreting a number of hormones that affect everything from heart health to metabolism. Low thyroxine levels cause problems with development if it occurs when an individual is young.

Complete Answer:
- To answer this question, we have to know about the thyroxine. Thyroxine is a hormone the thyroid gland secretes into the bloodstream. Thyroxine transfers to the organs, like the liver and kidneys once in a blood stream where it is changed to its functioning form of triiodothyronine.
- When there is lack of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) production by anterior pituitary, iodine deficiency in the diet or failure of enzyme systems involved in thyroxine production, it results in hypothyroidism.
- If there is a lack of thyroxine at birth this will result in weak growth and mental retardation, a situation called cretinism. If the situation is diagnosed at an early phase thyroxine can be given to reinstate normal development and growth.
- Thyroxine shortage in later life causes a condition called as myxoedema and the symptoms are decreasing in metabolic rate with decreased oxygen consumption, body heat and purifying heart rate.
- Mental movement and functioning becomes slower and weight increases because of the production and store of a semi-fluid material below the skin.
This results in the face and the eyelids to transform to puffy, the tongue swells, the skin is made rough and hair is lost from the scalp and eyebrows. All of these causes can be removed and the condition treated by taking thyroxine tablets.

Note: Thyroxine performs an important role in heart and brain development, bone health, digestive function, metabolism and muscle maintenance. It influences most of the body functioning systems, which indicates that appropriate thyroxine ranges are essential for health. This is why many doctors will test $T_4$ levels along with the more common $T_3$ levels when testing for thyroid disorders.