Thyroid

Introduction 

The thyroid in the human body is the system of glands and organs where these are located in the front of the neck wrapped around the trachea. It helps in controlling and regulating the overall functions of the human body and body metabolism. As for how the nervous system builds communication through neurotransmitters and nerve impulses, the thyroid secretes hormones to regulate many crucial bodily functions. 

When talking about the topics in Biology, the thyroid is an important concept that stands out from all. In case you’ve studied biology in your earlier classes, there are higher chances that you might be aware of these terms, what they do, and other topics related to the same. Today, we are going to discuss thyroid in detail. Without any further ado, let’s get started!  

Definition of Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland, present in the neck region, is a large ductless gland that secretes hormones by itself for regulating growth and development, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

Location and weight of Thyroid Gland:

The thyroid is a gland present in humans and animals. It’s a ductless endocrine gland and secretes automatically by itself into the bloodstream. It is situated in the anterior portion of the neck. The thyroid gland is similar to that of a butterfly shape. A normal thyroid gland weighs up to 25 – 30 g. Among the endocrine glands present, the thyroid gland is said to be one of the largest endocrine glands. On either side of the trachea, the Thyroid gland has two lobes. Each lobe measures around 4 – 6 cm in length and is about 1.3 – 1.8 cm in width.

Functions of Thyroid Gland:

The main functions of the thyroid gland include secreting two hormones. The two hormones are – Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone and the Thyroxine (T4) hormone. These hormones play a very significant role and are necessary for almost all the tissues of the human body.

Triiodothyronine (T3) thyroid hormone is secreted by the thyroid gland in the bloodstream and is responsible for many vital body functions like growth, development, metabolism, etc.

Thyroxine (T4) thyroid hormone is secreted by the thyroid gland in the bloodstream and is capable of moving to other organs of the human body such as kidneys and liver. In these organs, they get converted into their active form triiodothyronine.

The other functions of the thyroid gland include:

• Regulating the vital body functions in human beings and animals.
• Regulating the process of breathing – inhalation and exhalation 
• Maintaining a balanced heart rate
• Developing and regulating the central and peripheral nervous systems
• Maintaining the bodyweight 
• Maintains muscle strength and helps to keep the body against the force of gravity
• Regulates the menstrual cycles
• Regulation of the body temperature
• Maintaining cholesterol levels at low levels.
• Releasing hormones in the human blood.
• Maintaining the hormone levels in the body.
• Regulating the growth and development of the body
• Regulating the lipid metabolism of our body.

Why is the thyroid gland necessary?

Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone and the Thyroxine (T4) hormone are secreted by the thyroid glands into the human blood. These hormones travel in the bloodstream. They reach almost all the cells in the body. These hormones are required to regulate the speed at which the cells work; the rate of metabolism is regulated by these hormones. Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone and the Thyroxine (T4) hormone regulate the human heart rate and regulate the capability of the intestine to speed up the process of digestion. 

The levels of Triiodothyronine (T3) hormones and the Thyroxine (T4) hormones are required to be at a balanced stage. If these hormones are at lower levels than the required levels, the rate at which the heart beats becomes slower. The individual who has lower levels of these hormones can experience issues related to constipation and can also gain weight. On the other hand, if the levels of Triiodothyronine (T3) hormones and the Thyroxine (T4) hormones are higher, the rate at which the heart beats becomes faster. The individual who has higher levels of these hormones can experience issues related to diarrhoea and can also lose body weight. Too much or too little Triiodothyronine (T3) hormones and the Thyroxine (T4) hormones have adverse effects on the human body.

Diseases and Disorders Associated with the Thyroid:

Some diseases and disorders are caused due to excess or lesser secretion of the hormones by the thyroid glands. A variety of causes can lead to the development of thyroid problems in humans. Pregnancy, injury, dietary deficit, or any other disease can be the reason for the development of thyroid problems in humans. The development of thyroid problems in humans can be from any age. Some of the most common traces which reveal the development of thyroid problems in humans are as follows:

• Too much or too little secretion of thyroid hormones – Triiodothyronine (T3) hormones and the Thyroxine (T4) hormones
• Abnormal growth of thyroid cells & forming lump within the thyroid gland.
• Enlarged thyroid glands can cause nodules within the thyroid which can lead to thyroid cancer.

Conclusion 

While this was everything about the thyroid and other important topics related to the same. Now you will understand all about  thyroid by reading this information. Thyroid gland is a ductless gland located in the anterior portion of the neck. Hormones produced by it are responsible for maintaining the desired metabolic rate of the body.