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T4

Meaning

T4, or Thyroxine, is the primary prohormone secreted by the thyroid gland, constituting the vast majority of its hormonal output, and is characterized by the presence of four iodine atoms. While it possesses intrinsic biological activity, its main physiological role is to act as the circulating reservoir from which the more metabolically potent hormone, T3, is derived in peripheral tissues. The measurement of T4 levels is a fundamental component of thyroid function testing.