Final answer:
In hepatic failure and steroid use, the levels of free thyroid hormone can be normal, but the levels of bound thyroid hormone can be affected. The free hormone is the active form that can exert its effects on target cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4, regulate metabolism, protein synthesis, and many other body functions. In cases of hepatic failure and steroid use, the levels of free thyroid hormone can be normal. However, it is important to note that the levels of bound thyroid hormone can be affected by these conditions. The free thyroid hormone is the active form that can cross cell membranes and exert its effects on target cells, while the bound thyroid hormone is packaged and cannot freely diffuse into body cells.