Tag: healthy thyroid gland

The thyroid gland has the appearance of wings around the trachea and larynx. It consists of two twelve-centimetre lobes on the left and right. The gland is covered by an outer protective covering. In size, the thyroid gland may be enlarged or reduced, often such changes are associated with age. Reduced function of thyroid hormone production is called hypothyroidism. Thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4) are the most active hormones produced by the thyroid. T3 is formed by the breakdown of T4. When these hormones are deficient the gland enlarges and goitre is formed. Increased thyroid function is called hyperthyreosis, which is also accompanied by a change in size – goitre.

The thyroid gland is divided into two lobes by the vascular septa. There are small sacs in each lobe and there are follicles in these which contain thyroglobulin, which is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Historical Facts

Doctors were studying thyroid disease and treatment in ancient China as early as the 17th century. They used the ashes of sea mushrooms and algae for treatment. It was discovered in 1811 that the active ingredient in the ash was iodine. It was not until 1920 that iodine was added to table salt. Doctors used a variety of treatments including surgery. Emil Kocher performed the first successful thyroid surgery in the 19th century.

Thymus gland

The name for the thymus gland was first applied by English physician Thomas Wharton in 1656. Visually a healthy gland resembles a fork with three teeth and with pathological changes the gland becomes like a sail or a butterfly. There is another name for the thymus gland – the thymus.

If the thymus is not enlarged, then visually and tactilely it is unnoticeable. It consists of two parts and is located in the upper part of the chest between the thyroid gland and the clavicle. The lower part is slightly wider than the upper part and both parts are connected to each other. The thymus is protected by a dense capsule within which is cerebral and cortical matter. This capsule contains a huge number of blood vessels and is responsible for the production of hormones.

Comparative anatomy

Mammalian animals and birds also have a thyroid gland. Its location and structure are almost the same as in humans. Insects do not have a thyroid gland

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