Poultry Judging Practice Test

What hormone regulates the activity of the thyroid gland?

1. Adrenaline

2. Oxytocin

3. Thyrotropin

4. Cortisol

The correct answer is: Thyrotropin

The hormone that regulates the activity of the thyroid gland is thyrotropin, also known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a critical role in the endocrine system by stimulating the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the body. Thyrotropin acts on the thyroid gland, prompting it to synthesize and secrete its hormones in response to the body's needs. When levels of T3 and T4 in the bloodstream are low, the pituitary gland increases the secretion of thyrotropin, which leads to enhanced thyroid activity. Conversely, when hormone levels are adequate or high, TSH secretion decreases, leading to a reduction in thyroid activity. This intricate feedback loop is crucial for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. The other hormones mentioned do not directly regulate the thyroid gland. Adrenaline, primarily produced by the adrenal glands, is involved in the body’s fight-or-flight response. Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary, is associated with childbirth and lact