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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis

Meaning

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis is a complex, interconnected neuroendocrine feedback loop that meticulously regulates the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, which are essential for systemic metabolism, growth, and development. This axis involves the hypothalamus releasing Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn prompts the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This finely tuned cascade maintains whole-body energy homeostasis.