Endocrine system
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that makes hormones controlling the body's metabolism — how fast it uses energy. Too much or too little causes wide-ranging symptoms.
What it is
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped hormone gland wrapped around the front of the windpipe in the lower neck.
Where it is
The front of the neck, below the voice box, in front of the windpipe.
What it does
Produces thyroid hormones that set the pace of the body's metabolism, affecting heart rate, temperature, weight, energy and mood.
How it works
The thyroid takes up iodine from food to make its hormones, releasing them into the blood. The pituitary gland in the brain monitors levels and adjusts the thyroid's output to keep them balanced.
When things go wrong
Common conditions affecting the thyroid gland
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Goitre (enlarged thyroid)
- Thyroid nodules and cancer
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe symptoms — such as severe chest pain, breathlessness or collapse — are an emergency; call 999.
Looking after it
Keeping your thyroid gland healthy
Thyroid problems are usually managed with medication and monitoring; blood tests diagnose an under- or overactive thyroid, so persistent tiredness, weight change or neck swelling are worth checking.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The thyroid is one of the few glands you can sometimes feel — it moves up and down when you swallow.
Answers
Thyroid Gland: frequently asked questions
What does the thyroid do?
The thyroid makes hormones that control metabolism — how fast the body uses energy — affecting heart rate, weight, temperature, energy and mood.
What are the signs of a thyroid problem?
An underactive thyroid can cause tiredness, weight gain and feeling cold; an overactive one can cause weight loss, a racing heart and feeling hot. A blood test can diagnose both.
The endocrine system
Related organs
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy / TeachMePhysiology
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