Question

Write a short note on the functions of the thyroid hormone.

Answer 1

Hint: Hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes defective development and maturation of the growing baby leading to stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin, deaf-mutism, etc.

Complete answer: Functions of the thyroid hormone are:
1. It has a role in growth and development.
2. Stimulate the heart rate and also stimulate the heart contraction.
3. Stimulate the synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates.
4. Degrade cholesterol and triglyceride and increases vitamin requirements.
5. It causes maturation of the skeleton system and nerves in the CNS.
6. Regulate growth hormone and body temperature.
7. Regulate the basal metabolic rate.

Additional information: The thyroid gland is composed of two lobes that are located on either side of the trachea. Both the lobes are interconnected with a flap of connective tissue called the isthmus.
1. The thyroid gland is composed of the follicle and stromal tissue.
2. Each thyroid follicle is composed of follicular cells, enclosing a cavity.
3. These follicular cells synthesize two hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
4. Iodine is essential for the normal rate of hormone synthesis in the thyroid.
5. The thyroid gland also secretes a protein hormone know as thyrocalcitonin which regulates the blood calcium level.

Note: Thyroid hormones are the only hormones that can be stored.
The deficiency of iodine causes hypothyroidism.