Gland, thyroid

Gland, thyroid
The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck below the Adam's apple. It is wrapped around the windpipe (the trachea) and has the shape of a butterfly, since it is formed by two wings (lobes) which are attached by a middle part. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every cell in the body. They help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body. The thyroid makes and stores these hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy. Thyroid hormones also help children grow and develop. The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in some foods and in iodized salt, to make several of its hormones.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • thyroid gland — n THYROID (1) * * * a large endocrine gland situated in the base of the neck. It consists of two lobes, one on either side of the trachea, that are joined by an isthmus (sometimes a third lobe extends upwards from the isthmus). The thyroid gland… …   Medical dictionary

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  • Thyroid gland — Thyroid Thy roid, a. [Gr. qyreoeidh s shield shaped; qyreo s a large, oblong shield (from qy ra a door) + e i^dos form: cf. F. thyro[ i]de, thyr[ e]o[ i]de.] 1. Shaped like an oblong shield; shield shaped; as, the thyroid cartilage. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • thyroid gland — thyroid UK [ˈθaɪrɔɪd] / US [ˈθaɪˌrɔɪd] or thyroid gland UK / US noun [countable] Word forms thyroid : singular thyroid plural thyroids Word forms thyroid gland : singular thyroid gland plural thyroid glands medical an organ in your neck that… …   English dictionary

  • Thyroid — Thy roid, a. [Gr. qyreoeidh s shield shaped; qyreo s a large, oblong shield (from qy ra a door) + e i^dos form: cf. F. thyro[ i]de, thyr[ e]o[ i]de.] 1. Shaped like an oblong shield; shield shaped; as, the thyroid cartilage. [1913 Webster] 2.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Thyroid body — Thyroid Thy roid, a. [Gr. qyreoeidh s shield shaped; qyreo s a large, oblong shield (from qy ra a door) + e i^dos form: cf. F. thyro[ i]de, thyr[ e]o[ i]de.] 1. Shaped like an oblong shield; shield shaped; as, the thyroid cartilage. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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