"The thyroid, or thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans, it is in the neck and consists of two connected lobes."
Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland, as well as the mechanisms of thyroid hormone synthesis, regulation, and function.
Anatomy and function of the thyroid gland: The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and a variety of physiological processes.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, resulting in a slowed metabolic rate, weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, resulting in a rapid metabolic rate, weight loss, nervousness, and other symptoms.
Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that usually begins in the cells of the thyroid gland and can spread to other parts of the body.
Thyroid nodules: Thyroid nodules are bumps or lumps in the thyroid gland that are often benign but can sometimes be cancerous.
Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Testing for thyroid function: Testing for thyroid function involves measuring levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood.
Treatment options for thyroid disorders: Treatment options for thyroid disorders include medication, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Thyroid hormone synthesis: The thyroid gland produces hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential for regulating metabolism.
Autoimmune thyroid disorders: Autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, are conditions in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Thyroid hormone transport: Thyroid hormone is transported throughout the body by binding to carrier proteins in the blood.
Iodine and its role in thyroid function: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism.
Thyroid hormone receptors: Thyroid hormones act by binding to specific receptors in cells throughout the body.
Regulation of thyroid function: Thyroid function is regulated by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Thyroid hormone metabolism: Thyroid hormones are metabolized by enzymes in the liver and other tissues.
Perinatal thyroidology: Thyroid disorders affecting pregnant women and newborns can have significant health consequences.
Thyroid dysfunction and mental health: Thyroid disorders can have significant effects on mental health, including depression and anxiety.
Environmental toxins and thyroid health: Exposure to certain environmental toxins can disrupt thyroid function.
Thyroid replacement therapy: Patients with hypothyroidism may require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Dietary and lifestyle factors affecting thyroid health: Diet and lifestyle factors can affect thyroid function, including stress, exercise, and the consumption of certain foods.
Thyroxine (T4): Thyroxine (T4) is the primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and controlling numerous body functions.
Triiodothyronine (T3): Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the human body.
Calcitonin: Calcitonin is a hormone released by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.
Thyroxine (T4): This is the main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It is responsible for regulating the metabolic rate of cells and tissues throughout the body.
Triiodothyronine (T3): This hormone is created from the conversion of T4 into T3 in peripheral tissues. T3 is the more biologically active hormone and is responsible for regulating energy balance and metabolism.
Calcitonin: This hormone is secreted by parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland and is involved in regulating calcium homeostasis in the body. It works by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting calcium deposition in bones.
"In humans, it is in the neck and consists of two connected lobes."
"The lower two thirds of the lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue called the isthmus."
"The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland..."
"Microscopically, the functional unit of the thyroid gland is the spherical thyroid follicle..."
"The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: the two thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) – and a peptide hormone, calcitonin."
"The thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis and growth and development in children."
"Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis."
"Secretion of the two thyroid hormones is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland."
"TSH is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus."
"Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), thyroid enlargement (goitre), thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer."
"The most common cause [of hyperthyroidism] is the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease."
"The most common cause [of hypothyroidism] is iodine deficiency."
"In iodine-deficient regions, hypothyroidism secondary to iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability in children."
"In iodine-sufficient regions, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's thyroiditis." (Note: I'll provide the remaining questions without their corresponding quotes to maintain brevity.)