Thyroid Disorders Review Journal
Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland within the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to manage numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of
thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function. The thyroid is found below the Adam's apple wrapped round the trachea (windpipe). A thin area of tissue within the gland's middle, referred to as the isthmus, joins the 2 thyroid lobes on all sides. The thyroid uses iodine to produce vital hormones. Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the primary
hormone produced by the gland. After delivery via the bloodstream to the body's tissues, a small portion of the T4 released from the gland is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the most active hormone. The function of the thyroid is regulated by a feedback mechanism involving the brain. When
hormone levels are low, the hypothalamus within the
brain produces a
hormone referred to as thyrotropin releasing
hormone (TRH) that causes the pituitary (located at the bottom of the brain) to release thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid to release more T4. Since the thyroid is controlled by the pituitary and hypothalamus, disorders of those
tissues also can affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems.
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