The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland : It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. The most common cause of a goiter worldwide is due to lack of iodine in the diet.
It is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck and has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle secreting two hormones into the blood : thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
The hormones regulate the body's metabolic rate, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance.
It presents a swelling with cancer growth affecting the thyroid causing the swelling on one side of the gland. Thyroid cancer isn’t as common as the formation of benign nodules.
- Where is the gland located and how does it function for the body?
- What are the hormones secreted?
- What are the functions of T3 and T4 hormones?
- What are the types, symptoms & treatment for goitre?
- what are the tests for detection of goitre and estimation of TSH levels?
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