Thyroid gland

Glandula thyroidea

A butterfly-shaped gland in the anterior neck, consisting of two lateral lobes connected by an isthmus across the trachea at the level of the 2nd-3rd tracheal cartilages. It is highly vascularized, receiving blood from the superior and inferior thyroid arteries.

النوع Gland
جهاز الجسم Endocrine
منطقة الجسم Neck
البنية الأم endocrine gland
الاسم اللاتيني Glandula thyroidea
FMA ID 9603

الوظيفة

Produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and sensitivity to other hormones. Also produces calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium homeostasis.

الأهمية السريرية

Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) are common endocrine disorders. Thyroid nodules and goiter affect millions. Thyroid cancer, while relatively uncommon, has excellent prognosis when treated early. Thyroidectomy risks recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

الأسئلة الشائعة

What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
The thyroid gland produces three hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body, and calcitonin, produced by parafollicular C cells, which lowers blood calcium levels. T4 is the major secretory product but T3 is the biologically more active form, converted from T4 in peripheral tissues.
Where is the thyroid gland located?
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior neck, lying just inferior to the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) at the level of vertebrae C5–T1. It consists of two lobes connected by a central isthmus, giving it a butterfly or H-shaped appearance. It is highly vascular and wraps around the trachea anteriorly and laterally.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces insufficient hormones, causing fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and bradycardia. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause. Hyperthyroidism results from excess hormone production, causing weight loss, heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety, and exophthalmos. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, driven by autoimmune stimulation of TSH receptors.

البنى ذات الصلة

parenchyma of parathyroid gland parathyroid gland parenchyma Pineal gland Glandula pinealis renin-angiotensin system renin angiotensin aldosterone system right artery of caudate lobe Caudate lobe branch of right hepatic artery adrenal cortex adrenal gland cortex secretory circumventricular organ endostyle hypopharyngeal groove parathyroid gland epithelial body

إخلاء المسؤولية الطبية

هذا المحتوى لأغراض تعليمية وإعلامية فقط. لا يُقصد به أن يكون بديلاً عن المشورة الطبية المهنية أو التشخيص أو العلاج. استشر دائماً طبيبك أو مزود الرعاية الصحية المؤهل الآخر بشأن أي أسئلة قد تكون لديك بخصوص حالة طبية. لا تتجاهل أبداً المشورة الطبية المهنية أو تتأخر في طلبها بسبب شيء قرأته على هذا الموقع.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.