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Multiple Choice
How would an elevated level of thyroid hormone in the body most likely affect skeletal muscles?
A
It would decrease the metabolic activity of skeletal muscles, resulting in muscle atrophy.
B
It would increase the metabolic activity of skeletal muscles, potentially leading to muscle weakness over time.
C
It would cause skeletal muscles to become less responsive to nerve stimulation.
D
It would have no significant effect on skeletal muscle function.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of thyroid hormones in the body. Thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), regulate metabolism and energy production in cells, including skeletal muscle cells.
Step 2: Recognize that elevated levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) increase the metabolic rate of cells. This heightened activity can lead to increased energy demands and faster turnover of cellular components in skeletal muscles.
Step 3: Consider the consequences of sustained elevated metabolic activity in skeletal muscles. Over time, this can result in muscle weakness due to the excessive breakdown of proteins and insufficient repair or recovery processes.
Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options. For example, thyroid hormones do not decrease metabolic activity or cause muscle atrophy directly; instead, they increase activity. Similarly, thyroid hormones do not make muscles less responsive to nerve stimulation, as their primary effect is metabolic rather than neurological.
Step 5: Conclude that the most likely effect of elevated thyroid hormone levels on skeletal muscles is increased metabolic activity, which can lead to muscle weakness over time due to the imbalance between energy demands and repair mechanisms.