The diagram given below represents the location and structure of an endocrine gland. Study the same and answer the questions that follow: The diagram given below represents the location and structure of an endocrine gland. Study the same and answer the questions that follow:
Name the secretion of the gland which regulates basal metabolism.
Topic: Thyroxine
Answer
THYROXINE.
Thyroxine sets the BASAL METABOLIC RATE — the rate at which the body oxidises food to release energy at rest.
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, slow heartbeat too MUCH — metabolism races — weight loss, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, protruding eyeballs
Thyroxine also controls physical, mental and sexual development in children — which is why a deficiency in childhood is so much more serious than the same deficiency in an adult.