Question

The cause of cretinism is
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hypoparathyroidism
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism

Answer 1

Hint:-Hormones are the chemical signaling molecules that are produced by certain types of endocrine glands. The compounds are released into the blood and it reaches the target organs for specific responses. The hormones are required in very low quantities but are responsible for various types of biological processes. Any type of malfunctioning of the glands are known to cause several types of diseases. Cretinism is a disease exhibiting growth retardation and abnormal development in children.

Complete step-by-step solution:-
Cretinism is a hormone related disease caused by malfunctioning of the thyroid gland due to which the secretion of the hormone thyroxine is retarded. The hyposecretion of the hormone thyroxine causes several types of complexities in the children such as retarded growth with less mental development and it arises a medical condition called as cretinism. It is also referred to as congenital hypothyroidism.
Cretinism is described as a severe deficiency of thyroid hormone in the newborns and children. The main reason for the occurrence of the disease is the absence of iodine in the mother’s diet during pregnancy which further leads to under activity of the thyroid gland of the newborn. The main component needed to produce thyroid hormones is iodine and absence of iodine causes hindrance in the normal development of the brain as well as the central nervous system. Cretinism
 The important symptoms of cretinism are lack of weight gain, stunted growth, fatigue, lethargy with abnormal bone growth as well as mental retardation. The other important characteristics are thickened facial expression with yellowing of the skin and floppiness. The muscle tone of the infected child is low and with swelling near the navel area. Sometimes, the disease is accompanied by other diseases caused by hypothyroidism such as goiter and myxedema.
In case of hyperthyroidism, excess secretion of thyroxine hormones takes place and it results in Grave’s disease, thyroid nodules and inflammation of the thyroid gland.
The hormones of parathyroid are associated with the regulation of calcium levels present in the blood. It regularizes the amount of calcium in the blood by increasing the levels when it is very low. It stimulates the bones to release more calcium and kidneys are regulated to reduce the loss of calcium. In case of hyperparathyroidism or increased secretion of parathyroid hormone causes elevated calcium level in the blood causing hypercalcemia. In conditions of hypoparathyroidism, the condition arises is known as hypocalcemia.
Therefore, the correct option is option A.

Note:- Cretinism is a congenital hypothyroidism condition occurring in newborn and children. It is mainly caused due to lack of iodine in the diet of the mother during stages of pregnancy resulting in lack of development in the thyroid gland of the infant. It is characterized by lack of proper growth and mental development. The infected individual shows shunted growth with thick facial features.