What Are Thyroid Glands?

by Annie Lee Tatum

Overview

The thyroid is an important endocrine gland that controls many of the body's functions relating to growth and metabolism.
What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland located in the front of the neck along the windpipe, and typically weighs less than an ounce.

What Does the Thyroid Look Like?

The thyroid consists of two halves known as lobes, joined by a band of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. The shape of the gland somewhat resembles a butterfly.
Function

Thyroid cells are the body's only cells that can absorb iodine, an essential nutrient. The thyroid combines iodine with tyrosine to make chemicals which then travel throughout the body to regulate the metabolism of every cell in the body.
How Does the Thyroid Work?

The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland, which itself is regulated by the hypothalmus. The hypothalmus regulates the production of TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH), which ultimately controls the pituitary and the entire process.
Other Functions

The thyroid stores iodine, helps bring about the onset of puberty and directly regulates how most of the other organs function, so problems in the thyroid can affect the body in various ways.