Thyroid

The thyroid controls growth and energy balance of the body. Read more about thyroid function and the structure of the organ!

Thyroid

The thyroid (Glandula thyreoidea) is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the cervical region in front of the trachea. It has an important body function control function and acts as a hormone storage. A disturbed thyroid function affects a variety of body and organ functions. Read everything you need to know about the important gland: how is it structured? Where is the thyroid? What are your exact tasks?

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thyroid

  • What is the thyroid?

  • What function does the thyroid have?

  • Where is the thyroid?

  • What problems can the thyroid cause?

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a reddish-brown colored organ in the cervical region. It is often described as a butterfly. This form results from the two side lobes (Lobus dexter and Lobus sinister), which are usually slightly different in size.

The two lateral lobes are connected by a transverse tissue bridge, the isthmus. In addition, there may be a lobe of the lobus pyramidalis originating from the isthmus.

The thyroid gland weighs 18 to 30 grams in adults. It is usually a bit heavier in women than in men.

Outer capsule and organ capsule

Externally, the thyroid is surrounded by a capsule (also called external or surgical capsule). This outer capsule continues inwards as an organ capsule (capsula interna).
Between the two capsules are the larger blood vessels and at the back of the gland the four parathyroid glands.

The organ capsule passes into connective tissue streets, which divide the glandular tissue (parenchyma) into individual lobules (lobules).

Thyroid lobules (Lobuli)

Each lobule consists of many small, vesicular formations (follicles), the wall of which is composed of a single-layered follicular epithelium. These epithelial cells produce the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 and spill them into the vesicle cavities. There they are stored in droplets, the so-called Kelloid. T3 and T4 are made in stock; the amount stored in the follicles lasts up to two months.

Between the follicles are the C-cells. These are also called parafollicular cells. They produce the hormone calcitonin (English calcitonin) and release it into the blood.

Hormonal control circuit

The formation and release of thyroid hormones is governed by a control cycle:

In the so-called hypothalamus, a section of the diencephalon, the hormone TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) is formed and released when the level of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) in the blood is too low. TRH stimulates the release of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in the pituitary gland (pituitary gland).

TSH leads to increased formation of T3 and T4 in the thyroid gland as well as their release from their buffers (follicles) into the blood. So they reach all body regions, including the diencephalon and the pituitary gland. Increased T3 and T4 levels in the blood inhibit TRH and TSH release there, slowing down thyroid hormone production (negative feedback).

What function does the thyroid have?

Thyroid function is the need-based production, storage and delivery of thyroid hormones. In this way, the organ is involved in the regulation of iodine, calcium and total metabolism.

The thyroid produces the following hormones:

  • Triiodothyronine (T3)
  • Tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine or T4)
  • Calcitonin (calcitonin)

Effect of T3 and T4

The hormones T3 and T4 have several tasks:

They increase the basal metabolic rate by increasing cardiac work, body temperature and the breakdown of fats and glycogen (storage of carbohydrates in the body).

In addition, T3 and T4 promote growth and brain maturation. Above all, the growth in length and the intellectual development depend crucially on the presence of the right amount of thyroid hormones.

Specifically, the thyroid hormones have the following effects. You promote:

  • the intake of glucose
  • the carbohydrate turnover
  • the oxygen consumption
  • the heat production
  • the cholesterol removal
  • the development of the central nervous system, the genital organs and the skeleton of the bone
  • the muscle function
  • the heartbeat and blood pressure

At the same time they inhibit:

  • the formation of high-energy phosphates
  • the storage of carbohydrates
  • the formation of proteins
  • the energy utilization

Effect of calcitonin

This hormone, which is produced in the C-cells, is involved in the regulation of the body's calcium and phosphate balance. Thus, the thyroid gland is important for bone metabolism.

Why do we need iodine?

Of particular importance for the physiological function of the thyroid gland is the trace element iodine. T3 and T4 are both formed by attachment of iodine molecules.

The daily iodine requirement of an adult is 180 to 200 micrograms and must be covered by the food. The trace element is present in tiny amounts in all foods. In larger quantities it is only in products from the sea, so for example in sea fish such as haddock, salmon, plaice and cod as well as in algae.

Where is the thyroid?

The thyroid is located in the neck region. It lies behind the neck muscles (the paired sternohyoid muscle and the paired sternothyroid muscle) and in front of the trachea, whose front and lateral surfaces surround it.

The isthmus connecting the two thyroid lobes is at the level of the second to third tracheal cartilages (horseshoe-shaped cartilage rods that provide stability to the trachea).

The two thyroid lobes reach up to the lower edge of the larynx and down to the upper thoracic opening (upper thoracic aperture).

The occasionally present Lobus pyramidalis may extend from the isthmus up to the hyoid bone or higher.

Close relationship exists between the trachea, the esophagus and the common carotid artery. The voice nerve (recurrent nerve) also runs in the immediate vicinity of the thyroid gland.

What problems can the thyroid cause?

Common diseases are hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) and hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism).

In case of overfunction, the gland produces too many thyroid hormones. This leads to weight loss due to abnormally increased basal metabolic rate, increased body temperature, increased heart work, insomnia and inner restlessness, mental instability, hands trembling and diarrhea. The cause of hyperthyroidism is usually an autoimmune disease.

Thyroid hypofunction is deficient in thyroid hormones. The result is too low a metabolic rate, which manifests itself in weight gain, constipation and sensitivity to cold. In addition, doughy thickening and swelling of the skin (myxedema), mental retardation and tiredness, shaggy and dry hair and libido and potency disorders. Hypothyroidism can be innate or acquired.

The pathological enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter, goiter), which is mostly caused by iodine deficiency, is widespread.

More rare are various types of inflammatory diseases of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). The best known form of thyroiditis is Hashimoto autoimmune thyroiditis.

There are also benign tumors and cancers of the thyroid in front.
Thyroid

FAQ - 💬

❓ What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

👉 7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues

  • Fatigue.
  • Weight gain.
  • Weight loss.
  • Slowed heart rate.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Sensitivity to heat.
  • Sensitivity to cold.
11 Jan 2021

❓ What problems can thyroid cause?

👉 When your thyroid is underproducing or overproducing, it can cause bothersome symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, and more. Four common issues associated with the thyroid include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, goiter (enlarged thyroid), and thyroid nodules.

❓ What are the symptoms of thyroid in females?

👉 Thyroid gland

  • Fatigue.
  • Increased sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Dry skin.
  • Weight gain.
  • Puffy face.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Muscle weakness.

❓ Is thyroid a serious disease?

👉 A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. This often involves a daily medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatments and make adjustments over time. However, you can usually live a normal life with a thyroid disease.

❓ At what age do thyroid problems start?

👉 Having too much of these hormones can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems that may need treatment. An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age.

❓ What food should be avoided in thyroid?

👉 Foods to avoid

  • Soy. Studies suggest that phytoestrogens in soybeans and soy-rich foods may inhibit the activity of an enzyme that makes thyroid hormones. ...
  • Iodine-rich foods.
  • Iron and calcium supplements. ...
  • High-fiber foods. ...
  • Certain vegetables.

❓ Can thyroid disease be cured?

👉 All thyroid diseases can be treated, resulting in normal thyroid function. However, this frequently requires being on medication to maintain the normal thyroid state. For example, most patients with thyroid cancer can be cured through surgery and radioactive iodine treatments (see Thyroid Cancer brochure).

❓ Can thyroid be cured completely?

👉 Yes, there is a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. Removing your thyroid through surgery or destroying your thyroid through medication will cure hyperthyroidism. However, once your thyroid is removed or destroyed, you'll need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life.

❓ How do thyroid problems make you feel?

👉 Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

❓ What foods help heal thyroid?

👉 Thyroid Superfoods

  • Roasted seaweed. Seaweed, such as kelp, nori, and wakame, are naturally rich in iodine--a trace element needed for normal thyroid function. ...
  • Salted nuts. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are excellent sources of selenium, which helps support healthy thyroid function. ...
  • Baked fish. ...
  • Dairy. ...
  • Fresh eggs.
11 Jan 2018

❓ Which fruit is good for thyroid?

👉 Apples, pears, plums and citrus fruits are abundant with pectins, which help with detoxifying the body of mercury โ€“ one of the most critical metals that have been connected to thyroid problems.

❓ What does thyroid mean?

👉 Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function. The thyroid gland is located below...

❓ What is hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

👉 Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excess levels of thyroid hormones. Thyroid problems can begin at any age and women are more affected than men.

❓ What is euthyroidism?

👉 Euthyroid is the term used to describe a state of normal thyroid function in the body. Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid inflammation ( thyroiditis ), thyroid enlargement ( goitre ), thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

❓ What does the thyroid gland do?

👉 The thyroid uses iodine to produce vital hormones. Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the primary hormone produced by the gland. After delivery via the bloodstream to the body's tissues, a small portion of the T4 released from the gland is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the most active hormone.


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