Thyroid gland

• The Thyroid gland releases thyroxine.
• Thyroxine stimulates the basal metabolic including:

  • rate of respiration in cells
  • how quickly substances are broken down
  • how quickly new substances are synthesised
• Thyroxine also regulates the growth of bones and maturity of the brain.
• Thyroxine production is controlled by TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which is produced by the pituitary gland.
• The control of thyroxine levels is through negative feedback.