Human: My doctor says I need to get my thyroid gland checked for cancer. What is a thyroid gland? Assistant: 
A thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that help regulate metabolism and other body functions. The thyroid gland is composed of two lobes that are connected by a narrow isthmus. The right lobe produces the majority of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) while the left lobe produces triiodothyronine (T3).