Thyroid

In anatomy, the thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the body. It is situated on the front side of the neck at the level of C5 and T1 vertebral bodies, just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), near the thyroid cartilage over the trachea but covered by layers of skin and muscle. The thyroid is quite large for an endocrine gland - 15-40 grams in adults- and butterfly-shaped: the wings correspond to the lobes and the body to the isthmus of the thyroid. Normally it is larger during menstruation and in pregnant women.

Related Topics:
Anatomy - Endocrine - Adam's apple - Cartilage - Trachea

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The primary function of the thyroid is production of hormones:

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• thyroxine (T4)
• triiodothyronine (T3)
• and calcitonin, which regulates calcium-phosphorus metabolism

The production of these hormones is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), released by the pituitary.

Related Topics:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone - Pituitary

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Thyroid: Histology of the thyroid ►