produces hormones which are involved in growth and regulates the body's basal metabolic rate (how rapidly the body's reactions take place)
releases thyroxine makes the body's chemical reactions take place at a faster rate
controlled by negative feedback
monitored by the brain, when the thyroxine levels fall, the pituitary gland releases the hormone TSH into the bloodstream, triggers thyroid to release more thyroxine.
detected by the brain so prevents more release of TSH, less thyroxine.