A butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the front of the neck that controls metabolism through its hormones.
Structure
The gland has two lobes joined by a narrow isthmus. It is made of follicles filled with colloid, in which thyroid hormones are stored bound to thyroglobulin.
Function
Thyroid hormones speed up cellular metabolism in nearly every tissue, raising oxygen use and heat production. The pituitary releases TSH to control their secretion through a feedback loop.
Clinical note
Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, tremor, and rapid heartbeat. Hypothyroidism causes fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
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