Which hormone is incorrectly paired with its action?
a. Oxytocin — stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth
b. Thyroxine — inhibits metabolic processes
c. ACTH — stimulates the release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex
d. Melatonin — affects biological rhythms and seasonal reproduction

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function of each hormone listed in the options.
2. Oxytocin is known to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth, so option a is correctly paired.
3. Thyroxine is a hormone that generally stimulates metabolic processes, not inhibits them, so option b is incorrectly paired.
4. ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates the release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex, making option c correctly paired.
5. Melatonin is involved in regulating biological rhythms and seasonal reproduction, so option d is correctly paired.

Key Concepts

Hormone Function

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes in the body. Each hormone has specific target tissues and functions. For example, oxytocin is known for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth, while thyroxine generally increases metabolic processes, not inhibits them. Understanding these functions is crucial for identifying incorrect pairings.

Thyroxine

Thyroxine, also known as T4, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Contrary to the statement in the question, thyroxine typically stimulates metabolic processes, enhancing the body's energy production and consumption.

Biological Rhythms

Biological rhythms are natural cycles in physiological processes, such as the sleep-wake cycle, influenced by internal and external factors. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is a hormone that regulates these rhythms, particularly the sleep-wake cycle, and can also influence seasonal reproduction in some animals. Understanding these rhythms helps in comprehending melatonin's role in the body.