Given below is the outline of the human body showing the important glands: Given below is the outline of the human body showing the important glands:
Name the hormone secreted by part 2. Give one important function of this hormone.
Topic: Thyroxine
Answer
Part 2 is the THYROID GLAND, which secretes THYROXINE.
Function: thyroxine regulates the BASAL METABOLIC RATE — the rate at which the body oxidises food to release energy. (It also influences general growth, the ossification of bone, body temperature and mental development.)
One function is asked for, so give one and give it fully. BASAL METABOLIC RATE is the strongest single answer.
EVERY SYMPTOM OF THYROID DISORDER FOLLOWS FROM THAT ONE FUNCTION, which is why it is worth understanding rather than memorising: too LITTLE thyroxine — metabolism slows — weight gain, sluggishness, feeling cold too MUCH — metabolism races — weight loss, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, bulging eyes
Thyroxine contains IODINE, which is why a dietary deficiency causes SIMPLE GOITRE, and why it controls mental and physical development in children — a deficiency then causing CRETINISM.