Word: Thyrotropin-Releasing Factor
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Thyrotropin-releasing factor (often abbreviated as TRF) is a hormone made in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Its main job is to signal another gland in the body, called the anterior pituitary, to release a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH helps regulate the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism and energy in the body.
In more advanced discussions, you might need to talk about how the thyrotropin-releasing factor interacts with other hormones or how it affects conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
While "thyrotropin-releasing factor" specifically refers to the hormone discussed, the individual words can have different meanings: - Thyrotropin: Refers specifically to thyroid-stimulating hormone. - Releasing factor: Can refer to any substance that causes the release of another substance.
Thyrotropin-releasing factor is an important hormone in the body that helps control metabolism by signaling the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone.