What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a type of gland.
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. (1)
What does the thyroid gland do?
The thyroid gland releases hormones into the bloodstream to control the metabolism of a human. (1)
the hormones it releases help with processes like bone growth, brain development, heart rate, digestion, muscle functioning, body temperature, menstrual cycles, and more. (1)
can produce more hormones when needed, such as to help increase body temperature or when a woman is pregnant. (1)
The thyroid gland produces and releases: thyroxine (T4), triiodotyronine (T3), reverse triiodothyronine (RT3), and calcitonin
The thyroid gland releases thyroxine (T4) into the bloodstream, it can convert to T3 through a process called deiodination. (2)
What does the thyroid gland need to produce thyroid hormones?
iodine (2)
Where is the thyroid gland located?
They thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, right below the larynx, and next to and around to the trachea. (1)
What does the thyroid look like?
(see pic here)
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shape due to the gland consisting of two lobes that are connected the isthmus. (1)
A healthy thyroid gland usually does not stick out from the throat, and you can’t see it by looking at the neck. (2)
What are parts of the thyroid gland?
isthmus
two lobes (1) – a right lobe, and left lobe, each lobe is filled with follicles that contain hormones the body needs to function. (1)
Two capsules surround the thyroid gland – an outer layer that connects to the voice box muscles and surrounding nerves, and one in between this layer and the thyroid gland that allows the thyroid to move when swallowing or talking. (1)
What does the thyroid gland contain?
Two types of cells make up the thyroid gland – follicular cells and parafollicular cells. (1)
Problems with a Thyroid Gland
Resources
1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-gland-anatomy-4799991
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid
