Question

A pregnant female delivers a baby, who suffers from stunted growth, mental retardation low intelligence quotient and abnormal skin. This is the result of

(a) deficiency of iodine in diet 

(b) low secretion of growth hormone 

(c) cancer of the thyroid gland 

(d) over secretion of pars distalis

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) deficiency of iodine in diet.

Explanation:

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes defective development and maturation of the growing foetus leading to stunted growth. Low secretion of GH results in stunted growth resulting in pituitary dwarfism.

Pars distalis or anterior pituitary produces growth hormone. Prolactin (PRL), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (THS), Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH), Lutenising Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FHS).