To remember the importance of the thyroid gland and world thyroid day, we have written this article titled ‘where is the thyroid gland’. World Thyroid Day, May 25th, is dedicated to thyroid patients and to all those who are committed to the study and treatment of thyroid diseases worldwide. Our aim to increase awareness about the importance of the thyroid gland, through access to general information.
Where is the thyroid?
This question is more common that you might think. In short, the thyroid is located at the front of the neck, just underneath the voice box, nestled beneath the muscle and tissue. In men, it is located right behind the Adam’s apple. This small gland weighs less than one ounce, and its shape is said to resemble that of a butterfly. It measures about 5 centimetres in size. For such a small gland, it has a very important job to do. There are two lobes on either side of the thyroid gland and each one has its own set of responsibilities.
It is one of the largest and most important endocrine glands in the human body. It is responsible for maintaining the body’s metabolism. The thyroid gland monitors how the human body uses energy. It also produces some proteins and it has absolute control over how sensitive the human body is to other types of hormones. This gland produces two primary types of thyroid hormones: T3 and T4. It is these hormones that regulate the metabolism. The thyroid is also responsible for the production of calcitonin. This is a hormone that is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the levels of calcium found in the bloodstream.
Thyroid gland anatomy
Where is the thyroid? When answering this question, one must also think of the unique situation of the thyroid gland. The amount of hormones that the thyroid produces is monitored by the hypothalamus. The word “thyroid” is derived from the Greek, and it means “shield”. Like other parts of the body, the thyroid is susceptible to certain types of disorders.
The two most common types of thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Neither of these conditions is fatal, but they can affect a person’s quality of life. The good news is that both conditions are easily treatable. Thyroid cancer can also develop, but this type of cancer is slow growing. It has low recurrence rates.
If you believe that you might have a thyroid disorder or would simply like to learn more about this important little gland, then you should contact your local doctor. Your doctor will be able to answer your questions, run the appropriate tests and devise the proper treatment plan. The next time you ask where is the thyroid, think about what you have learned today!
If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems, contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.