Explain the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH):

TSH, also known as thyrotropin is a glycoprotein and synthesized by thyrotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Its functions are many and are listed as follows. The TSH:

• Stimulates the secretion of thyroxine (T₄) and tri-iodothyronine (T₃) from the thyroid gland
• Increases the number and size of thyroid cells, and
• Controls general metabolism of the body through its activity on thyroid.

The thyroid gland becomes inactive and secretes almost no hormone when the anterior pituitary gland fails to secrete TSH.