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The thyroid is one of the larger endocrine glands in the body. It is a double-lobed structure located in the neck and produces hormones, principally thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. Iodine is necessary for the production of both hormones. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are the most common problems of the thyroid gland.

Anatomy


The thyroid is situated on the front side of the neck, at the level of C5 to T1 vertebral bodies, just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple), near the thyroid cartilage over the trachea but covered by layers of skin and muscle. The thyroid is one of the larger endocrine glands - 10-20 grams in adults- and butterfly-shaped: the wings correspond to the lobes and the body to the isthmus of the thyroid. It may enlarge substantially during pregnancy and when affected by a variety of diseases.

Blood supply

The thyroid gland is supplied by two pairs of arteries: the superior and inferior thyroid arteries of each side. The superior thyroid artery is the first branch of the external carotid, and supplies mostly the upper half of the thyroid gland, while the inferior thyroid artery is the major branch of the thyrocervical trunk, which comes off of the subclavian artery. In 10% of people, there is an additional thyroid artery, the thyreoidea ima, that arises from the brachiocephalic trunk or the arch of the aorta. Lymph drainage follows the arterial supply.

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Apparently I have a hyper thyroid, ugh like I need something else to deal with!
princess_andrea (Andrea) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:49:06 -0000
Apparently I have a hyper thyroid, ugh like I need something else to deal with!
@elissastein Yes i did see you on thyroid about... i go to that site anyway, cause i have thyroid probs ;0
eversammie (Erica Stein) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:19:06 -0000
@elissastein Yes i did see you on thyroid about... i go to that site anyway, cause i have thyroid probs ;0
med student hypochondria (ie, diseases i've thought i have this week): efferent pupillary defect, thyroid dz, parkinsons or essential tremor
jennhadley (Jennifer Hadley) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:18:40 -0000
med student hypochondria (ie, diseases i've thought i have this week): efferent pupillary defect, thyroid dz, parkinsons or essential tremor
#thefamily The Mother looks like she has an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - is this the case? If so, is she getting treatment?
nikisrani (nikisrani) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:13:50 -0000
#thefamily The Mother looks like she has an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - is this the case? If so, is she getting treatment?
Ugh, just ordered Iodoral (Amazon) b/c even tho it makes me kinda sick, my doc says it's the best to naturally boost thyroid.Hope it works!
TheMomNextDoor (Joni Williams) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:56:30 -0000
Ugh, just ordered Iodoral (Amazon) b/c even tho it makes me kinda sick, my doc says it's the best to naturally boost thyroid.Hope it works!
@DaisyCottageIRL I'm alright mama, just need to check my thyroid. Havnt been on meds since before ireland...oops
crayola_sky (chelsea) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:44:39 -0000
@DaisyCottageIRL I'm alright mama, just need to check my thyroid. Havnt been on meds since before ireland...oops

 
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Thyroid Disease Manager - Features a complete analysis of thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, nodules, cancer, and aspects of physiology.
Meta Description: [ complete, authoritative, constantly up-dated, down loadable source on all aspects of thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism ]

eMedicine Health - Thyroid Problems - Consumer health information. Lists the causes, symptoms, tests, and treatment of thyroid illness.
Meta Description: [ The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple). The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism. Thyroid hormones are ... ]

iThyroid.com - A patient led site that focuses on nutrition for optimal thyroid health.

MedicineNet - Thyroid Overview - Find a number of articles on gland conditions and diseases. Including medications, doctor's views, and responses.
Meta Description: [ Thyroid information about thyroid disease, treatment therapies and prevention, covering topics such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on MedicineNet. ]

MyThyroid.com - Patient-centered resource by a physician from Toronto. Discusses the various diseases and their related complications.

404 The Hormone Foundation: Thyroid Information - Contains an overview on hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, lifestyle issues, and prevention.
Meta Description: [ The Thyroid Gland: Comprehensive information about thyroid health from the Hormone Foundation, including a thyroid overview, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, lifestyle issues and prevention. ]

The Merck Manual - Thyroid Disorders - Covers the synthesis and release of hormones, the effects, and laboratory testing of thyroid function.

The Thyroid Blog - Dr Richard Guttler provides a daily diary based on his web consultations and rounds at the Santa Monica Thyroid Diagnostic Center. Features text and audio posts.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands - Presents the chemistry, synthesis, and secretion of thyroid hormones. Covers hamburger thyrotoxicosis, pregnancy, fetal development, and sodium-iodide.

Thyroid Disease - Pathology lecture notes and pictures of goiter, including cancer.

Thyroid History - Contains articles of historical research and present studies. Includes diagnosis, treatment, and related diseases.
Meta Description: [ Medical thyroid information from the past and present... for the future ]

Thyroid Support Center - Presents physician articles, medical studies, symptoms, dangers, and treatment of gland disorders. Includes a chat forum and blog.
Meta Description: [ An introduction to thyroid disorders. Physician articles, medical studies, symptoms, dangers, diagnosis, and treatment of hypothyroid and hyperthyroidism. ]

Thyrolink - International based site from Merck KGaA for specialists and patients. Features slide shows and general information to the public. Available in various languages.

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