What condition results from the hypofunction of the thyroid gland?

The condition that results from the hypofunction of the thyroid gland is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development. This deficiency can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.

Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism, typically occurring in adults, where the skin becomes thickened and swollen. It is often a consequence of long-standing untreated hypothyroidism but is not the direct term for the general condition itself. Cretinism, on the other hand, refers to a form of congenital hypothyroidism that occurs due to insufficient thyroid hormone production during infancy or childhood, leading to growth and developmental issues.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, the opposite of hypothyroidism, where the gland is overactive. Therefore, the best term to describe the hypofunction of the thyroid gland is hypothyroidism, which encompasses a range of symptoms and types, including the more severe manifestations seen in conditions like myxedema or cretinism.