Tara Tate
Megan Brejcha
Anatomy & Physiology II
13512 F17
Thyroid Disorders: An Overview
The thyroid gland is a small x-shaped gland that lies in the front of the neck and is part of the body’s endocrine system. Located below the Adam’s apple along the trachea, the thyroid consists of two lobes joined by an isthmus, or middle section. It is an important gland in that it regulates metabolism and growth and affects almost every organ of the body. The thyroid uses iodine in the food we eat to produce vital hormones like thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine, T3, both of which regulate the speed at which your cells metabolic processes function. The thyroid itself is regulated by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and functions on a feedback system. Much like a thermostat, the body responds to the thyroid’s underproduction of hormones by causing the hypothalamus to produce a hormone called TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce TSH (thyroid stimulating …show more content…
Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of hormones as mentioned, which causes symptoms like nervousness, increased heart rate, fatigue, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. It can be the result of toxic nodules, inflammation of the thyroid, or malfunctions of the pituitary gland, to name a few. In contrast, hypothyroidism is caused by a sluggish production of hormones. This reduction in hormones can affect the body’s energy level and can produce symptoms such as fatigue, ‘cloudy thinking’, dry skin, constipation, fluid retention, muscle and joint aches, and even depression (MD 2). It too can have several causes such as inflammation of the thyroid or hormone resistance. Other disorders of the thyroid include goiter, which is a term for enlargement of the thyroid, or nodules, which are cysts that may be benign or cancerous in
Megan Brejcha
Anatomy & Physiology II
13512 F17
Thyroid Disorders: An Overview
The thyroid gland is a small x-shaped gland that lies in the front of the neck and is part of the body’s endocrine system. Located below the Adam’s apple along the trachea, the thyroid consists of two lobes joined by an isthmus, or middle section. It is an important gland in that it regulates metabolism and growth and affects almost every organ of the body. The thyroid uses iodine in the food we eat to produce vital hormones like thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine, T3, both of which regulate the speed at which your cells metabolic processes function. The thyroid itself is regulated by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and functions on a feedback system. Much like a thermostat, the body responds to the thyroid’s underproduction of hormones by causing the hypothalamus to produce a hormone called TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce TSH (thyroid stimulating …show more content…
Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of hormones as mentioned, which causes symptoms like nervousness, increased heart rate, fatigue, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. It can be the result of toxic nodules, inflammation of the thyroid, or malfunctions of the pituitary gland, to name a few. In contrast, hypothyroidism is caused by a sluggish production of hormones. This reduction in hormones can affect the body’s energy level and can produce symptoms such as fatigue, ‘cloudy thinking’, dry skin, constipation, fluid retention, muscle and joint aches, and even depression (MD 2). It too can have several causes such as inflammation of the thyroid or hormone resistance. Other disorders of the thyroid include goiter, which is a term for enlargement of the thyroid, or nodules, which are cysts that may be benign or cancerous in