The primary function of the thyroid is the production of the iodine-containing thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and the peptide hormone calcitonin. 1  T3 is so named because it contains three atoms of iodine per molecule and T4 contains four atoms of iodine per molecule.
Explorations of Africa. In the official role of a medical missionary, he set forth to Africa, arriving in Cape Town, South Africa in March of 1841. A few years later, he married Mary Moffat; the couple would have several children.
Vasco da Gama was given a fleet of ships by the king and told to find a trade route around Africa to India. He was also told to find any other trading opportunities along the way. Died: December 23, 1524 in Kochi, India. 2  Best known for: The first European to sail from Europe to India around Africa.