What Is the Thyroid? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is an essential part of the endocrine system, which is a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate various bodily functions. Structure and Location The thyroid consists of two lobes (right and left) connected by a thin band of tissue called the isthmus. It lies in front of the trachea (windpipe) and beneath the larynx (voice box). The gland typically weighs between 20 and 60 grams in adults. Function The thyroid’s main job is to produce and release hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism-the process by which your body converts food into energy 1 2 3 4 6 . These hormones affect nearly every organ and system in your body, influencing: Breathing Heart rate Body weight Digestion Body temperature Mood Growth and development, especially in children Key Thyroid Hormones Thyroxine (T4) Triiodothyronine (T3) Both hormones are m...