Thyroid gland

A butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, responsible for regulating metabolism and hormone production.

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces hormones essential for metabolism, growth, and development. It controls several metabolic processes in the body by secreting hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which significantly influence energy expenditure and overall hormonal balance.

Terminologia Anatomica

glandula-thyreoidea

System

Endocrine system

Function

The thyroid gland’s primary function is to regulate the body's metabolism. It does so by releasing hormones that control how the body uses energy, synthesizes proteins, and responds to other hormones. When functioning properly, the thyroid helps maintain an effective energy balance, regulate body temperature, and support growth and development during childhood and adolescence. The hormones produced by the thyroid also have critical roles in heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone health. A well-functioning thyroid ensures that these processes occur efficiently, while an underactive or overactive gland can lead to significant health issues such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, respectively.

Location

The thyroid gland is located in the anterior portion of the neck, just below the Adam's apple (thyroid cartilage). It sits on either side of the trachea and consists of two lobes connected by a thin band of tissue known as the isthmus. Its position allows it to quickly influence various body systems through the hormones it secretes directly into the bloodstream. The gland's proximity to the carotid arteries and jugular veins emphasizes its critical role in regulating essential bodily functions via the circulatory system.

Did You Know?

The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body, weighing about 25 grams in adults.
The production of thyroid hormones is regulated by the pituitary gland, which releases Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
Iodine is critical for the production of thyroid hormones; a deficiency can lead to goiter and other health issues.
The thyroid has a remarkable ability to change size based on the metabolic needs of the body, often enlarging in response to hormonal imbalances.