Thyroid gland

Thyroid Gland - anterior view
Source: Betts, JG; Young, KA; Wise, JA; Johnson, E; Poe, B; Kruse, DH; Korol, O; Johnson, JE; Womble, M; DeSaix, P (April 25, 2013). "17.4 The Thyroid Gland". Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax. Houston, Texas.

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck. It secretes thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's rate of metabolism, and calcitonin, a protein that assists in calcium balance. The production of thyroid hormones is stimulated by thyrotropin or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary.

Types of thyroid hormones

Main article: Thyroid hormone

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are the two main forms of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are partially comprised of iodine and a deficiency of iodine in the diet can lead to decreased production of these hormones. If left uncorrected the thyroid tissue can enlarge, resulting in a pronounced swelling in the neck, called a 'simple goitre.'

Notable studies

• 2007, Thyroid malignancy association with cortical & subcortical brain SPECT changes in patients presenting with a myalgic encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Abstract)
• 2018, Higher Prevalence of “Low T3 Syndrome” in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case–Control Study (Full Text)

Learn more

• American Thyroid Association webpage

See also

• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid hormone
• Hormone
• List of hormones
• Triiodothyronine
• Thyroxine
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism)