Thyroxine and adrenaline – Higher
Thyroxine is produced from the thyroid gland, which stimulates the basal metabolic rate. It controls the speed at which oxygen and food products react to release energy for the body to use. Thyroxine plays an important role in growth and development. Thyroxine levels are controlled by A mechanism where changes to conditions cause an action to reverse the change, to keep conditions stable..
The The part of the brain that detects changes in blood temperature and water concentration. and An endocrine gland that is located just below the centre of the brain. It releases a number of important hormones. have important roles in detecting and controlling thyroxine levels.
- LowHormone produced by the thyroid gland that stimulates the basal metabolic rate. levels in the bloodstream stimulate the hypothalamus to releaseThyrotropin releasing hormone produced by the hypothalamus in response to a lack of thyroxine in the blood. and this causes the pituitary to releaseThyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland in response to TRH. so the thyroid releases more thyroxine. So blood levels return to normal.
- Normal thyroxine levels in the bloodstream inhibit TRH release from the hypothalamus and this inhibits the release of TSH from the pituitary, so normal blood levels are maintained.
Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands in times of fear or stress. It targets vital organs, increases the heart rate and boosts the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles, preparing the body for 'flight or fight'. Adrenaline is not controlled by negative feedback.
When adrenaline is released into the bloodstream it creates multiple effects:
- increases breathing rate, heart rate, and conversion of glycogen to glucose so more energy is released in the muscles
- it diverts blood away from areas, such as the digestive system, towards the muscles
The effects of adrenalin allow the body to prepare for action in situations where a quick response may be essential.