Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Will'. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. . 1997.
see metabolic rate. basal metabolism. the minimal energy expended for the maintenance of respiration, circulation, peristalsis, muscle tonus, body temperature, glandular activity and the other vegetative functions of the body. See also metabolic rate.
the basal metabolic rate of the body is controlled by the hormones t3 and t4 produced by the thyroid gland in response to the thyroid stimulating hormone tsh produced by the anterior pituitary