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cretinism
(kre´tin-iz-әm)
arrested physical and mental development with dystrophy of bones and soft tissues, due to congenital lack of thyroid gland secretion from decreased function or absence of the gland. An affected child has a large head, short limbs, puffy eyes, coarse
hair, a round abdomen, a thick and protruding tongue with drooling, excessively dry skin, lack of coordination, and mental
retardation. Thyroid deficiency that is acquired or seen in adults is called myxedema.
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