Skip to main content
Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 18

Endemic goiter is not really the result of a malfunctioning thyroid gland. What does cause it?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that endemic goiter is primarily caused by an environmental factor rather than an intrinsic thyroid gland malfunction.
Recognize that the thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism and growth.
Identify that endemic goiter occurs in regions where there is a deficiency of iodine in the diet, often due to low iodine content in the soil and water.
Explain that iodine deficiency leads to decreased production of thyroid hormones, which triggers the pituitary gland to release more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Understand that elevated TSH causes the thyroid gland to enlarge in an attempt to capture more iodine, resulting in the characteristic swelling known as a goiter.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
4m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Iodine Deficiency

Endemic goiter primarily results from insufficient iodine intake in the diet. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, and its deficiency leads to inadequate hormone synthesis, causing the thyroid gland to enlarge in an attempt to capture more iodine.
Recommended video:
Guided course
13:06
Review of Major Hormones

Thyroid Gland Function and Hormone Production

The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism. When iodine is lacking, hormone production drops, triggering the pituitary gland to release more TSH, stimulating thyroid growth and leading to goiter.
Recommended video:
Guided course
13:06
Review of Major Hormones

Endemic Goiter and Environmental Factors

Endemic goiter occurs in regions where the soil and water have low iodine levels, affecting the local food supply. This environmental deficiency causes widespread thyroid enlargement in the population, distinguishing it from goiters caused by intrinsic thyroid diseases.
Recommended video:
03:48
Environmental Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity