Where is thyroxine produced in the body?

Thyroxine, also known as T4, is produced in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the body. The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroxine from iodine, which is a key component necessary for its production, along with the amino acid tyrosine. The release of thyroxine into the bloodstream is stimulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland.

The role of the thyroid gland in the production of thyroxine is central to maintaining metabolic homeostasis, as this hormone influences various physiological processes including energy expenditure, heart rate, and even the function of other hormones. The regulation of thyroxine and its conversion into the more active form, triiodothyronine (T3), highlights the importance of the thyroid gland in the endocrine system.