MP Board · Class 10 · Science · Control and CoordinationExplain the role of the endocrine gland 'Thyroid' in the human body. What deficiency disease is caused by lack of iodine in diet?

The thyroid gland is a large, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx (voice box). Its primary role in the human body is to secrete a crucial hormone called thyroxine. \nRole of Thyroxine and Thyroid Gland:

1. Regulation of Metabolism: Thyroxine regulates the overall rate of metabolism in the body, which includes controlling how fast carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are metabolized to release energy for cellular activities.
2. General Growth and Development: It plays an indispensable role in ensuring proper physical and mental growth, particularly during childhood and adolescence, ensuring the development of bones, muscles, and the nervous system. \nIodine Deficiency Disease:\nIodine is an essential mineral required by the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroxine. If there is a deficiency of iodine in our daily diet, the thyroid gland cannot produce adequate amounts of thyroxine. To compensate for this shortage, the thyroid gland enlarges in size, resulting in a condition known as goitre (commonly recognized by a swollen or enlarged neck). In pregnant women, severe iodine deficiency can lead to stunted growth and mental disability in the child, a condition known as cretinism.