Thyroid Anatomy
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As one of the largest endocrine glands in the body, the thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland below the Adam’s apple and one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. This gland is found in the neck below the thyroid cartilage (may also be called the Adam’s apple in men) and at approximately the same level as the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid controls how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body should be to other hormones. The thyroid gland is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are the most common problems of the thyroid gland. The thyroid controls the body’s metabolism by regulating thyroid hormones (T4 and T3). This controls the body’s metabolic rate, growth and development. Moreover, it helps regulate the heart, brain development, bone maintenance, and muscle and digestive function. The thyroid hormones impact every cell in your body, and regulates the rate the body uses carbohydrates and fats.
