The thyroid gland is an important
endocrine gland in the human body.
Endocrine glands differ from "exocrine" glands
in that exocrine glands have ducts (so may be referred to as "ducted")
whereas endocrine glands do not have ducts (and so may be referred to
as "ductless").
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck,
below the hyoid bone. It is primarily concerned with regulating
the body's metabolic
rate - which id does by secreting appropriate amounts of thyroid hormones.
Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland
include: |
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Thyroid Hormone (there are two thyroid hormones,
Triiodothyronine and Thyroxin) |
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Calcitonin |
The structure of the thyroid gland consists of two lobes. One lobe is
positioned on each side of the trachea and they are joined by the isthmus
in the centre. Internally, the thyroid gland consists of many cubic epithelial
cells that form cavities called "follicles". These
contain a jelly-like colloid (an iodate protein).
For a diagram indicating the locations within the body of each of
the endocrine glands, visit:
Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage, reflexology,
beauty therapies, and other basic-level medical or clinical courses.
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