Question

Which of the gland controls the activity of the thyroid gland? Write four effects of hypothyroidism on the human body.

Answer 1

Hint: It is the small pea-sized gland that belongs to the family of the endocrine gland at the basal region of the brain that is responsible for the growth, thyroid gland, and various other important functions of the body.

Complete step by step answer:
The pituitary glands are the glands that are responsible for the activity of the thyroid gland. It is protruded from the hypothalamus of the brain and is responsible for controlling the metabolism of the thyroid gland. The increase or decrease in their secretion may lead to certain severe diseases.
The four effects of hypothyroidism on the human body are:
(a) Goitre - The enlargement of the thyroid gland results in the swelling of the neck region and may also occur when the thyroid gland does not function properly. They are mainly caused due to deficiency of iodine in the body. It may be of various types depending upon the pattern of their growth and size.
(b) Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - Is also called Hashimoto’s disease. It is generally caused due to the destruction of the thyroid gland. It is an autoimmune disease where the symptoms may include the development of the goitre and are said to have occurred due to the change in the environmental and genetic factors.
(c) Cretinism - It is the disorder that occurs in the children at the time of the birth and may cause a defect in the mental and physical development of the body. It is also called Congenital Iodine Deficiency Syndrome. This may result in the development of goitre, small body size, and mental disorder.
(d) Myxedema - It occurs due to the severe hyperthyroidism. It is relayed to the skin disorder that results in the swelling of the area that is affected. It occurs generally behind the eyes or in the lower leg.

Note: Goiter was first treated by Chinese physicians through iodine-rich thyroid glands that were extracted from the animals during the Tang Dynasty. Hashimoto disease was first discovered by Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto and was named after him. Cretinism was first studied by King Carlo Alberto of Sardinia in 1848. The term Myxedema was derived from the Greek word meaning mucus or slimy substance and swelling. In 1891 it was successfully treated.