Final answer:
Thermoregulation is controlled by thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate the body's metabolism and therefore its temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thermoregulation, the process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature, is under the influence of thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the metabolic rate of cells throughout the body, impacting overall energy expenditure and, consequently, body temperature.
The secretion of thyroid hormones is tightly regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) released from the pituitary gland. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release T3 and T4, ensuring a balanced metabolic rate that contributes to efficient thermoregulation.
In contrast, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, though associated with the thyroid gland, primarily play roles in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, rather than directly influencing thermoregulation. The orchestrated interplay between thyroid hormones and the pituitary gland is fundamental to maintaining the body's temperature within a narrow and optimal range.