Thyroid Gland and Functions

Phase 1: Discussion Board: A View of the Thyroid Gland, the Functions of, and the Thyroid Hormone Phase 1: Discussion Board Connie Ann Crandell Bio142-0903A-04 Anatomy and Physiology ll Instructor: Denise Albina When observing the thyroid gland from an anatomical standpoint, the thyroid is located in the anterior portion of the neck and seemingly shaped similar to that of a butterfly (VH Dissector, 2009)the thyroid is just inferior to the larynx, but close to the trachea. There are two lateral lobes connected by a median tissue mass called the isthmus. The largest pure endocrine gland in the body and commonly named the thyroid gland (Marieb, 1998). In addition to viewing the thyroid gland, one must take into consideration the interior part of the thyroid in order to understand the functioning of the thyroid hormone. Within the interior part of the thyroid gland contains spherical hollow follicles formed by squamous epithelial cells called follicle cells, producing the glycoprotein thyroglobulin. The lumen, a central cavity of this follicle stores an amber-colored, material that is sticky and consisting of thyroglobulin molecules and attached to this areiodine atoms. The thyroid hormone is resultant from this iodinated thyroglobulin. The thyroid hormone moreover named the metabolic hormone, which is actually two active iodine-containing hormones, thyroxin or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. The thyroid folliclessecrete the thyroxin. Every cell in the body is affected by the thyroid hormone. Not only does it increase the basal metabolic rate but it also stimulates enzymes concerned with glucose oxidation(Marieb, 1998). Increase in basal metabolic rate and oxygen consumption and body heat production would refer to the hormones calorigenic (heat producing) affect (Anderson, 1987-1996). Incites of the thyroid hormone, causes anincrease in the adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels playing a very important role in maintaining blood pressure.

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