Final answer:
The hormones of the thyroid gland, T4, T3, and calcitonin, play a crucial role in regulating development and metabolism. They control basal metabolism, gene expression, and energy production in cells throughout the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormones of the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin.
The main role of thyroid hormones in regulating development and metabolism is to control the rate of basal metabolism in cells throughout the body. Basal metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that occur in the body at rest to maintain basic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and body temperature.
Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) cross cell membranes and regulate gene expression to control the rate of metabolism in cells body-wide. This regulates energy production, glucose oxidation, and body heat production, leading to increased rates of metabolism.