thyroid gland Flashcards
what is the thyroid gland and where is it found ?
the two loves of the butterfly shaped gland
found on either side of the trachea just below the larynx (voice box) in the front of the neck
what is the most important hormone secreted by the thyroid ?
thyroxin
what is needed for the production of thyroxin ?
iodine
found in seafood/ salt
what develops from a lack of iodine ?
goitre
what are the functions of thyroxin ?
- increases the basal metabolic rate (and body heat production) in all body cells
- does this by controlling the rate or cellular respiration
- promotes functioning of the heart
- promotes normal functioning of nervous system
- increases nervous activity + sharpens alertness/reflexes
what is basal metabolic rate ?
the amount in energy the body needs to keep functioning while it is at rest
what are the disorders associated with the thyroid gland ?
hypothyroidism
hyperthyroidism
what is hypothyroidism ?
producing too little thyroxin
low metabolism
what is hypothyroidism in children ?
cretinism
a child does not grow physically
has immature sexual development + is mentally retarded
what is hypothyroidism in adults ?
myxedema
a condition of mental and physical sluggishness
low blood pressure + respiratory rate
what is hyperthyroidism ?
producing too much thyroxin
high metabolic rate
what are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
high body temperature with profuse sweating
increase heart rate, blood pressure + respitory rate
muscular tremor + nervousness
swollen thyroid gland
what is a different goitre, caused by a swollen thyroid gland ? (not iodine)
exopthalmic goitre
what’s makes the thyroid a special endocrine gland ?
it is the only endocrine gland to store its hormone
enough stored for several months
what hormone does the pituitary store ?
ADH
ADH is produced by the hypothalamus
