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.

类型 Gland
身体系统 Endocrine
身体区域 Neck
上级结构 endocrine gland
拉丁名称 Glandula thyroidea
FMA ID 9603

功能

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.

临床意义

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.

常见问题

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.

相关结构

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

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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.