Q.Write the symptoms of cretinism.

Cretinism results from thyroid hormone deficiency during infancy/childhood and produces stunted growth, mental retardation and characteristic physical changes.

Thyroxine, secreted by the thyroid gland, is essential for normal physical growth and, especially, brain development in infants and young children. When its secretion is deficient (hypothyroidism) from birth or early childhood, the condition is called cretinism.

Main symptoms include:

• Stunted growth of the body (dwarfism/short stature).
• Mental retardation and low intelligence quotient (IQ), due to impaired brain development.
• A protruding, distended abdomen (pot belly).
• Thick, dry, coarse skin and a puffy face.
• Coarse, sparse hair.
• A large, protruding tongue.
• Delayed sexual maturity/puberty. …