Thyroid: What is it, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland that plays an important role in the body's metabolism, growth, and development. A steady amount of thyroid hormone is constantly present in the bloodstream, helping to regulate many body functions. During specific conditions such as growth, development, or pregnancy, the body requires more energy. In such cases, the thyroid gland produces more hormones. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck, below the vocal cords, and is butterfly-shaped. The thyroid gland weighs between 20 and 60 grams on average and is surrounded by two fibrous capsules. The outer capsule is connected to the laryngeal muscles and many important vessels and nerves. There is loose connective tissue between the inner and outer capsules. Therefore, the thyroid can move and change its position during swallowing. The thyroid tissue itself consists of numerous small individual lobules surrounded by thin connective tissue layers. These lobules contain many small vesicles called follicles, which store thyroid hormones in small droplets. The thyroid gland produces three hormones. These hormones are:
Triiodothyronine, also known as T3
T4
Calcitonin
Calcitonin, produced by C cells in the body, is involved in calcium and bone metabolism. T3 and T4 hormones increase the basal metabolic rate, making all cells in the body work harder.