What is the purpose of the thyroid gland
The purpose of your thyroid gland is to make, store, and release thyroid hormones into your blood. These hormones, which are also referred to as T3 (liothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine), affect almost every cell in your body, and help control your body’s functions. The human thyroid is a small gland with a very big purpose--to regulate the body's metabolism. Weighing less than an ounce, the thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and is described as having a butterfly shape. The two wings (lobes) are joined together by a band of tissue known as the isthmus. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. The human thyroid is a small gland with a very big purpose--to regulate the body's metabolism. Weighing less than an ounce, the thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and is described as having a butterfly shape. Two hormones of the thyroid gland, T3 (thyroxine) and T4 (triiodothyronine), help the body to produce and regulate the hormones adrenaline (also called epinephrine) and dopamine. Hormones are chemical substances that help control certain cells and organs. The thyroid gland covers the windpipe from three sides. Two hormones of the thyroid gland, T3 (thyroxine) and T4 (triiodothyronine), help the body to produce and regulate the hormones adrenaline (also called epinephrine) and dopamine. The thyroid gland is one of the body's most important endocrine organs. It is located in the neck just below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) and cricoid cartilage. Although its size can vary, based on each individual's size and iodine intake, the thyroid generally weighs approximately 15-20 grams (1/2 - 3/4 oz). The thyroid is solely responsible for the production of these two hormones. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones are secreted into the body by the thyroid through the conversion of iodine--again, a task solely delegated to this little gland. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
To make, store, and release thyroid hormones into your blood.