Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hormone stimulating the thyroid gland: "Thyrotrophic hormone" is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to stimulate the growth and activity of the thyroid gland, prompting it to produce and release its own hormones.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered a test to measure the level of thyrotrophic hormone in the patient's blood.
  • A deficiency in thyrotrophic hormone can lead to an underactive thyroid gland.
  • The secretion of thyrotrophic hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: In medicine, "thyrotrophic hormone" is a key diagnostic marker. Abnormal levels are used to diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
  • An elevated thyrotrophic hormone level often indicates primary hypothyroidism.

Variants and Related Words

• Thyrotropin (n): This is a direct synonym and the more commonly used term in clinical and scientific contexts.
• TSH (n): This is the standard acronym for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, which is functionally identical to thyrotrophic hormone.
• Thyrotrophic (adj): Relating to or stimulating the thyroid gland.
  • The thyrotrophic effect of the hormone is well-documented.

Synonyms

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): The most common contemporary term.
• Thyrotropin: A biochemical synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "thyrotrophic hormone" is largely synonymous with "thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)" and "thyrotropin." While "thyrotrophic hormone" is correct and descriptive, "TSH" is the most frequently used term in modern medical practice and laboratory reports. All three terms refer to the same glycoprotein hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

Noun

1. anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the function of the thyroid gland