THYROID GLAND IN METABOLISM REGULATION

The thyroid gland, found in the neck, plays a key role in controlling metabolism and other body functions by producing hormones. The two main hormones it releases, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), regulate metabolism, energy production, and growth.

Thyroid hormones raise the body’s basal metabolic rate, affecting how quickly food is turned into energy. They stimulate almost all tissues to make proteins and increase oxygen use at the cellular level. By improving glucose absorption and breaking down fats, thyroid hormones supply the energy needed for various body processes.

These hormones are especially important during infancy and childhood, as they support brain development and physical growth. Thyroid hormones also increase heart rate and improve the heart’s pumping ability, helping blood and oxygen reach the entire body. Additionally, they help maintain body temperature by regulating heat production through metabolic activities.