Question

Endemic goitre is a state of

• A. Increased thyroid function
• B. Moderate thyroid function
• C. Decreased thyroid function
• D. Normal thyroid function

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Goitre is a swelling of the neck due to enlargement of the thyroid gland. This may be due to lack of dietary iodine which occurs due to decreased thyroid function, which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, the gland enlarges in an attempt to increase the output of hormone. This was the cause of endemic goitre, formerly common in regions where the diet lacked iodine.