The thyroid gland is a gland in the neck that produces metabolic hormones that are important for human development. Through the release of hormones, it particularly controls the generation and consumption of energy. This gland is an endocrine gland since it does not have a duct system.
LOCATION OF THE THYROID GLAND
In the front of our neck is the thyroid gland. It is located just in front of our trachea, or “windpipe.” The thyroid gland’s structure displays a reddish-brown colour when examined more carefully. The thyroid gland is very well innervated, and the superior and inferior thyroid arteries, as well as the external carotid artery, supply it with blood. The isthmus, which runs across the centre of the two lobes, will connect the two structures.
The thyroid gland is simple to locate since it is a part of the body that is frequently examined during doctor appointments. Of course, the gland will not be seen at its regular size and will only become visible when it is enlarged. However, the position of the thyroid differs before birth. It will be in the back of the developing tongue, which means it will move to the front of the neck (its post-birth placement) before birth. The distance it moves is also important, since thyroids that migrate too little or too far from the appropriate spot can cause problems. The condition lingual thyroid, which occurs when the thyroid does not travel and instead remains in the back of the tongue, is an extreme case.
HORMONES IN THE THYROID GLAND
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Thyroid Hormone (thyroxine and triiodothyronine)
Thyroxine and triiodothyronine, two iodine-containing hormones, makeup thyroid hormone.
Thyroxine is also known as T4 because it has four iodine atoms, whereas triiodothyronine is known as T3 because it contains three iodine atoms.
Thyroid hormone’s major function or role is to raise the basal metabolic rate and heat generation through glucose oxidation.
Furthermore, it is required for tissue growth and development, particularly in skeletal and nerve tissues.
Thyroid hormone levels in the blood are controlled by the pituitary gland’s secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thyroid hormone release is regulated and controlled by a negative feedback mechanism.
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Calcitonin
Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland’s parafollicular cells or C cells in response to an increase in calcium levels in the blood.
However, the hormone is given less emphasis since an increase in calcium in the blood has no physiological impact on the body.
Calcitonin is given to osteoporosis patients because it has a bone-sparing action.
Calcitonin reduces osteoclastic activity in the bones, lowering calcium absorption into the bloodstream. It also promotes calcium absorption from the blood into the bone matrix.
FUNCTIONS
Some of the thyroid gland’s functions are as follows:
The thyroid gland’s primary function is to produce thyroid hormones, which are necessary for metabolism and development.
Thyroid hormone influences glucose, fat, and protein metabolism to control the body’s basal metabolic rate.
Since hormones are made up of iodine atoms, they play an important role in iodine metabolism in the body.
Calcitonin, a hormone generated by the thyroid gland’s C cells, controls calcium ion levels in the blood.
The thyroid hormone is important for the growth and development of the brain and kidneys, among other organs in the body.
DISEASES OF THE THYROID GLAND
Goiter
A noncancerous swelling of the thyroid gland is known as goiter. Goiter is most typically seen in those who don’t get enough iodine in their diet. Of course, this is more prevalent in locations where iodine-deficient diets are available, or in women over the age of forty who are more likely to develop a goiter. Swelling or stiffness of the neck, breathing and swallowing difficulty, hoarseness of the voice, and wheezing are all indications of goiter. These clinical indications usually appear only once a patient’s thyroid has grown large enough. Radioactive iodine dosages or surgery will be used to treat goiter.
Hashimoto’s Disease
When a patient’s immune system attacks its own thyroid gland, the disease occurs. Of course, this will impair its ability to produce hormones. Fatigue, minor weight gain, dry skin and hair, depression, pale complexion, and an enlarged goiter are the most typical symptoms. It is yet to be discovered how to treat it.
Grave’s Disease
Grave’s disease is the most prevalent cause of hyperthyroidism, and it’s similar to Hashimoto’s disease in that the patient’s immune system attacks his or her own thyroid gland. It will produce more thyroid hormone than usual in this instance. Anxiety, exhaustion, hand tremors, excessive sweating, difficulty in sleeping, diarrhoea, goiter, and bulging eyes or visual impairment are some of the symptoms that might occur. Beta blockers, which lower the heart rate, as well as anxiety and antithyroid drugs, as well as radioactive iodine, will be used to treat this illness.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules, on the other hand, are growths on the thyroid gland that might be caused by Hashimoto’s disease or a shortage of iodine. The nodules are usually benign, although they might turn cancerous. A rapid heart rate, anxiety, tremors, weight loss, and a big appetite are just a few of the symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The thyroid gland is the biggest gland in the neck. It has two lobes and is designed in the shape of a butterfly (one on each side of the neck). The complete structure, which lies just below Adam’s apple, is around two inches long.
Endocrine and exocrine glands are two types of glands. The thyroid gland is an important element of our endocrine system because it releases hormones directly into the circulation. Exocrine glands release chemicals through ducts. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by absorbing iodine from our foods and using it to manufacture them (T3). Since these hormones will be released when needed, the thyroid gland can store them for later use. These hormones are then able to navigate through the entire body via the bloodstream in order to reach their target cells.