Türoksiin

Türoksiin is the Estonian word for thyroxine, also known as T4. It is a thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism in the body. It influences the rate at which cells use energy, affecting growth and development, as well as the functioning of many organs. The production of thyroxine is regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain through a feedback mechanism. When thyroxine levels are low, the pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which prompts the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine. Conversely, high levels of thyroxine suppress TSH release. In humans, thyroxine is essential for normal development and is particularly important for brain development in infants and children. It also affects heart rate, body temperature, and digestion. Disorders related to thyroxine levels include hypothyroidism, where there is an underproduction of the hormone, leading to a slowed metabolism, and hyperthyroidism, where there is an overproduction, resulting in an accelerated metabolism. Thyroxine is often administered as a medication to treat hypothyroidism.