The Anatomy of the Thyroid Gland

Thyroid Gland Location Part of the endocrine system Located just below larynx and straddles the trachea Largest endocrine gland

Basic Anatomy of Thyroid ● Brownish-red, butterfly shaped gland about two inches in diameter ● Rich in blood vessels ● Secretes several hormones ● Consists of nerves important for voice quality -Justin Bascue -Justin Bascue about Gt

The General Function of the Thyroid Function: Controls metabolism, the way a body uses energy Secretion of hormones Thyroxine (T4) Triiodothyronine(T3) Calcitonin (T4) and (T3) regulate the metabolism of Carbohydrates Supply energy to cells Lipids Provide energy for producing hormones c. Proteins Regulates Heart rate - CNS & PNS Cholesterol rate Body weight Menstrual cycle(females) - Muscle strength

The effects of (T3) and (T4) Too much could result in : Anxiety Irritability or moodiness Nervousness Hyperactivity Sweating or sensitivity Hand trembling Hair loss Missed or light menstrual periods Too little can result in: Hypothyroidism Trouble sleeping, tiredness, fatigue Difficulty concentrating Dry skin and hair Depression Sensitivity to cold temperature Frequently heavy periods Joints and muscle pain

Thyroid cancer Most common in women over the age of thirty Thyroid cancer cells are unique and are the only cells that have the ability to absorb iodine Iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones Signs of thyroid cancer thyroid nodule -refers to an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that swells up the neck Trouble swallowing Trouble breathing

Thyroid Cancers cont. Treatments There are four types of thyroid cancer Papillary Follicular Medullary Anaplastic Papillary & Follicular treatment is the complete removal of the gland that harbors the cancer Medullary requires most aggressive operation Anaplastic tends to be found after it has spread least common

Works Cited Picture of the Thyroid. (2009). In WebMD. Retrieved February 23, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-thyroid Shier, David, Jackie Butler, and Ricki Lewis. Hole's essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology. tenth ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 299-300. Print Thyroid Cancer. (2015, March 7). In American Cancer Society. Retrieved February 23, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroidcancer/detailedguide/thyroid-cancer-what-is-thyroid- cancer