Goitre is prevalent at higher altitude, is an example of –
**Core Concept:** Goitre is a clinical condition characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is typically caused by iodine deficiency or dysfunction in its incorporation into thyroid hormones. Goitre can be further classified as primary or secondary, depending on the underlying cause.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Goitre is more prevalent at higher altitudes due to the lower iodine content in the diet and the increased hypobaric hypoxia that leads to reduced thyroid hormone synthesis, which in turn results in an enlarged thyroid gland.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Not related:** This option does not address the cause of goitre related to altitude.
B. **Not altitude-related:** This option also fails to explain the cause of goitre in relation to altitude.
C. **Incorrect cause:** While iodine deficiency is a cause of goitre, it is not the sole cause, as other factors like thyroid dysfunction also contribute to its development at higher altitudes.
D. **Not altitude-related:** This option does not address the correlation between altitude and goitre.
**Clinical Pearl:** The high prevalence of goitre in populations living at higher altitudes serves as a reminder of the importance of iodine prophylaxis in areas with insufficient iodine intake, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions that can influence thyroid function.
**Correct Answer:** C. Iodine deficiency is one of the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of goitre at higher altitudes. Goitre develops due to the combination of reduced thyroid hormone synthesis caused by hypobaric hypoxia and inadequate iodine intake, which results in an enlarged thyroid gland.