Thyroxine meaning

Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and energy levels in the body.


Thyroxine definitions

Word backwards enixoryht
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division thy-rox-ine
Plural The plural of the word thyroxine is thyroxines.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) o,i,e
Consonants (6) t,h,y,r,x,n

Thyroxine, also known as T4, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism in the body. It is one of the main hormones responsible for controlling the body's metabolic rate, energy levels, and growth and development.

Functions of Thyroxine

Thyroxine regulates the rate at which the body uses energy, influences protein synthesis, and helps control the body's sensitivity to other hormones. It is essential for maintaining the normal function of organs such as the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. Thyroxine also plays a role in the regulation of body temperature, digestion, muscle strength, and bone health.

Production of Thyroxine

The production of thyroxine is controlled by the pituitary gland, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. Thyroxine is produced by the iodination of the amino acid tyrosine in the thyroid follicular cells. Any disruption in this process can lead to an imbalance of thyroxine levels in the body, resulting in conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Regulation of Thyroxine Levels

The levels of thyroxine in the body are tightly regulated by a feedback system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. If the levels of thyroxine drop too low, the hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which signals the pituitary gland to release TSH, stimulating the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine. Conversely, if the levels of thyroxine are too high, the production of TSH is inhibited to prevent excessive thyroxine production.

Thyroxine levels can be measured through blood tests to diagnose thyroid disorders and monitor treatment effectiveness. It is often prescribed in synthetic form to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxine. Maintaining optimal levels of thyroxine is vital for overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, thyroxine is a crucial hormone that regulates metabolism and plays a vital role in various bodily functions. Understanding its functions, production process, and regulation is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of hormones in the body.


Thyroxine Examples

  1. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism.
  2. Some individuals may need to take synthetic thyroxine as a medication for hypothyroidism.
  3. Thyroxine levels can be measured through blood tests to assess thyroid function.
  4. Excessive thyroxine production can result in hyperthyroidism symptoms such as weight loss and rapid heartbeat.
  5. Thyroxine plays a crucial role in maintaining body temperature and overall energy levels.
  6. Pregnant women may require adjustments to their thyroxine dosage to support a healthy pregnancy.
  7. Athletes sometimes abuse thyroxine as a performance-enhancing drug due to its effects on metabolism.
  8. Thyroxine replacement therapy is commonly used to manage thyroid disorders.
  9. Low levels of thyroxine can lead to symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
  10. Thyroxine functions by binding to specific receptors in cells to regulate gene expression.


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  • Updated 18/06/2024 - 17:22:10