What is a function of thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolic rate. They stimulate metabolic activity in virtually every cell in the body, influencing how quickly the body converts nutrients into energy, as well as how it uses that energy. Increased levels of thyroid hormones lead to an elevated metabolic rate, which can affect various physiological processes such as growth, development, and maintaining body weight.

While other processes like blood pressure regulation, body temperature control, and respiration rate can also be influenced by thyroid hormones, their primary and most significant role is in the modulation of metabolic rate. This metabolic control is essential for energy balance and overall homeostasis within the body.