Consider the following symptoms of a disorder.
(a) Mental retardation (b) Abnormal skin (c) Deaf-mutism (d) Stunted growth Which disorder is correctly described by these symptoms?

Options

A. Acromegaly
B. Myxedema
C. Exophthalmic goitre
D. Cretinism

Answer

To determine which disorder is described by the symptoms of mental retardation, abnormal skin, deaf-mutism, and stunted growth, we can analyze each symptom and relate them to known disorders.

### Step 1: Analyze the Symptoms
1. **Mental Retardation**: This refers to below-average intellectual functioning, which can be associated with various genetic and environmental factors.
2. **Abnormal Skin**: This could indicate a condition that affects the skin's appearance or texture, often seen in metabolic or genetic disorders.
3. **Deaf-Mutism**: This indicates a condition where a person has both hearing impairment and the inability to speak, which can be congenital or due to other factors.
4. **Stunted Growth**: This refers to a condition where an individual does not grow to the expected height or size, often due to hormonal deficiencies or genetic disorders.

### Step 2: Identify Possible Disorders
- **Acromegaly**: Characterized by excessive growth hormone leading to enlarged bones and tissues, not typically associated with the symptoms listed.
- **Myxedema**: A condition resulting from severe hypothyroidism, leading to swelling and other symptoms, but not specifically linked to deaf-mutism or mental retardation.
- **Exophthalmic Goiter**: Associated with hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease), which does not match the symptoms.
- **Cretinism**: A condition resulting from severe hypothyroidism, particularly in children, leading to mental retardation, stunted growth, and often abnormal skin and deaf-mutism.

### Step 3: Conclusion
After analyzing the symptoms and the disorders, it is clear that the symptoms listed (mental retardation, abnormal skin, deaf-mutism, and stunted growth) are characteristic of **Cretinism**. This disorder is caused by a deficiency in thyroid hormones during development.

### Final Answer
The disorder correctly described by these symptoms is **Cretinism**.

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