THYROID GLAND Meaning and
Definition
-
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland found in the front part of the neck, situated just below the larynx or Adam's apple. It is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that regulate various bodily functions and metabolism. The gland is shaped like a butterfly and consists of two lobes on either side of the windpipe, which are connected by a thin strip of tissue called the isthmus.
The primary function of the thyroid gland is to produce and secrete two major hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are involved in regulating the body's metabolism, growth, development, and energy production. They play a crucial role in maintaining body temperature, heart rate, digestion, reproductive health, and the overall functioning of various organs and tissues.
The production and release of T3 and T4 are controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release its hormones into the bloodstream. This system forms a feedback loop, where the hypothalamus and pituitary gland monitor the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood and adjust TSH production accordingly.
Imbalances in thyroid hormone production can lead to various medical conditions, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), goiter (enlarged thyroid), and thyroid nodules. These conditions often cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, depression, changes in heart rate, and difficulty with temperature regulation.
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in maintaining the body's overall homeostasis and wellbeing by regulating metabolism and other critical bodily functions.
-
(1) Glandula thyreoidea, a ductless gland lying in front of the upper part of the trachea; it furnishes an internal secretion of influence upon metabolism, the absence of which results in cretinism and myxedema; (2) the thyroid gland of the sheep employed in crude form, in extract, or desiccated (glandulae thyroideae siccae, U.S.P.) in the treatment of myxedema, cretinism, and to promote metabolism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYROID GLAND
- rhyroid gland
- fhyroid gland
- ghyroid gland
- yhyroid gland
- 6hyroid gland
- 5hyroid gland
- tgyroid gland
- tbyroid gland
- tnyroid gland
- tjyroid gland
- tuyroid gland
- tyyroid gland
- thtroid gland
- thgroid gland
- thhroid gland
- thuroid gland
- th7roid gland
- th6roid gland
- thyeoid gland
Etymology of THYROID GLAND
The word "thyroid" originates from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", which means "shield-shaped" or "resembling a large shield". This is derived from the Greek word "thyreos", meaning "shield". "Thyroid" was coined by the ancient Greek anatomist Herophilus, who named the gland due to its shape, resembling a shield. The term "gland" comes from the Latin word "glandula", meaning "gland" or "little acorn", referring to the shape of some glands. Combining these two roots, "thyroid gland" refers to the organ in the neck with a shape similar to a shield.
Similar spelling words for THYROID GLAND
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
