10 Facts about Thyroid Gland

Post On: November 26, 2018
In: Human

How do you call an endocrine located in the neck? It is a thyroid gland. People simply call it thyroid. The location is below the Adam’s apple. You can spot it at the front part of the neck. It consists of two lobes. An isthmus connects both. The thyroid hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland. Do you know the primary function of the hormone? It will affect the protein synthesis in the body as well as the metabolic rate. The hormone calcitonin is generated by thyroid gland. It influences calcium homeostasis. Iodine and tyrosine are used to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both are also thyroid hormones. Here are other interesting facts about thyroid gland:

Facts about Thyroid Gland 1: the diseases

A number of diseases affect the thyroid gland. The most prevalent one is an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. The other one is Hyperthyroidism. It is a condition of over excessive production of thyroid hormones. The lack production of thyroid hormone leads into hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency is considered as the primary cause.

Facts about Thyroid Gland 2: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is also included as a type of autoimmune disorder. It takes place mostly in iodine-sufficient regions.

Thyroid Gland

Thyroid Gland

Facts about Thyroid Gland 3: other diseases

Other diseases, which might decrease the function and health of thyroid glands, are cancer and the presence of nodule.

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Facts about Thyroid Gland 4: the structure

As I have stated before, thyroid gland has two lobes connected by an isthmus. The lobes can be found at the right and left. The gland has the shape of a butterfly.

Facts about Thyroid Gland 5: the weight

On average, the thyroid gland on adult has the weight of 25 grams. The lobe has the width of 3 cm, length of 5 cm and thickness of 2 cm. The isthmus is measured at the width and height of 1.25 cm. Most women have larger gland than the men do. When they are pregnant, the gland usually gets bigger.

Thyroid Gland Facts

Thyroid Gland Facts

Facts about Thyroid Gland 6: a thin fibrous capsule

A thin fibrous capsule is covering the gland. It consists of two layers. Both are the outer and inner layer.

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Facts about Thyroid Gland 7: the major features

Follicles, follicular cells, and parafollicular cells are considered as the three major features on thyroid gland when you spot it under the microscope. In 1664, Geoffery Websterson discovered them.

Facts about Thyroid Gland 8: hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is experienced by the people with excessive amount of thyroid hormones. They can consume the drugs, which suppress the function of thyroid to produce excessive hormones for the longer-term management.

Facts about Thyroid Gland

Facts about Thyroid Gland

Facts about Thyroid Gland 9: the types of drugs for hyperthyroidism

Methimazole, carbimazole and propylthiouracil are some of the drugs used for hyperthyroidism.

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Facts about Thyroid Gland 10: thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is the scientific term to call the inflammation on the thyroid gland. It can be caused by hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

What do you think on facts about thyroid gland?