Word: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (often abbreviated as TSH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. Its main job is to stimulate the thyroid gland, which is a small gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland helps control many important functions in the body, including metabolism, energy levels, and growth.
Usage Instructions: - You can use "thyroid-stimulating hormone" when discussing health, biology, or medicine. It is often mentioned in the context of thyroid function tests or hormonal balance in the body.
Example: - "The doctor ordered a blood test to check the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone to see if my thyroid gland was working properly."
Advanced Usage: - In medical discussions, you might encounter phrases like "TSH levels" or "TSH test" to refer to the measurement of this hormone in the blood, which helps diagnose thyroid disorders.
Word Variants: - TSH (abbreviation) - Thyrotropin (another name for thyroid-stimulating hormone)
Different Meanings: - In general contexts, "thyroid-stimulating hormone" does not have different meanings. It specifically refers to this hormone in the body.
Synonyms: - Thyrotropin (used interchangeably in medical contexts)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "thyroid-stimulating hormone," as it is a specific scientific term.
Related Terms: - Thyroid gland: The gland that TSH stimulates. - Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, often diagnosed through TSH levels. - Hyperthyroidism: A condition where the thyroid is overactive, which can also be assessed by TSH levels.
Understanding thyroid-stimulating hormone is important, especially if you are learning about health, biology, or medicine.