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 diet
B. Low secretion of growth hormone
C. Cancer of the thyroid gland
D. Over secretion from pars distalis

Answer 1

Hint: Stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, and abnormal skin are characteristic of deficiency of an important chemical in the body. This chemical further controls the functioning of the thyroid gland in humans.

Complete step by step answer: To derive the right answer to this question, let us understand the effect of each given option on the body.
Option A is a deficiency of iodine. Iodine is an important chemical required by the body. It is not made inside the body thus acquired by diet. Iodine in the body is required majorly by the thyroid gland. It serves as an important constituent in the production of thyroid hormone. The deficiency in iodine leads to the abnormal release of thyroid hormone in the body. This leads to pregnancy-related issues. Thus, a pregnant female who gives birth to a baby who has growth issues, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, and abnormal skin suffers iodine deficiency.
Option B is the low secretion of growth hormone. Pituitary tumors are the common cause of growth hormone deficiency in adults. The various symptoms of this are emotional imbalance, tiredness, and negatively affected cholesterol levels.
Option C is the cancer of the thyroid gland. Cancer begins with the uncontrolled growth of thyroid cells. This results in swelling of the thyroid gland and hoarseness of voice.
Option D is over secretion from pars distalis. The pars distalis is the region of the pituitary. It releases growth hormones. The overproduction leads to gigantism in humans.
Hence, the right option is option A.

Note: The thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism and help in the development of bones and brain in a baby during pregnancy. Any iodine deficiency can cause harm to the fetus thus proper iodine intake should be maintained by the mother during pregnancy.