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WHAT IS THYROID?

 


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 energy12346. 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 made using iodine from your diet and are critical for controlling the speed of your metabolism.

  • Calcitonin is another hormone produced by the thyroid, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.

How It Works

The thyroid gland continuously releases a steady amount of hormones into the bloodstream. If your body needs more energy (for example, during growth, cold temperatures, or pregnancy), the gland increases hormone production. The release of thyroid hormones is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain, which secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal the thyroid when to produce more hormones.

Thyroid Disorders

Problems with the thyroid can lead to various diseases, including:

  • Hypothyroidism: Too little thyroid hormone, causing fatigue, weight gain, and slowed metabolism.

  • Hyperthyroidism: Too much thyroid hormone, causing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased metabolism.

  • Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

  • Thyroid nodules: Lumps in the thyroid.

  • Thyroid cancer: Malignant growth in the thyroid gland.

Summary

The thyroid is a vital gland that plays a central role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development by producing hormones that affect almost every tissue and organ in the body. Proper thyroid function is essential for overall health and well-being.

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