Anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland: Difference between revisions
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==Thyroid hormones== | ==Thyroid hormones== | ||
==Thyroid hormone physiology== | ==Thyroid hormone physiology== | ||
[[Category:Endocrinology]] | |||
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Latest revision as of 22:18, 10 April 2009
The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. It controls how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body should be to other hormones.
Anatomy
The thyroid is composed of two pear shaped lobes which extend from the thyroid cartilage to the 6th tracheal ring on the anterior side of the neck. It lies over the trachea and is covered by layers of pretracheal fascia (allowing it to move), muscle and skin. The two lobes are joined by the isthmus which overlies tracheal rings 2, 3 and 4. The thyroid may enlarge substantially during pregnancy and when affected by a variety of diseases.
Surface anatomy
The normal thyroid gland is not easily palpable.