What is the thyroid?

(picture courtesy of yourdictionary.com)

What is the thyroid gland? Well, according to the dictionary:

noun

noun: thyroid; noun: thyroid gland; plural noun: thyroid glands; noun: thyroid cartilage; plural noun: thyroid cartilages

1. 1.

   a large ductless gland in the neck that secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism.

   • an extract prepared from the thyroid gland of animals and used in treating deficiency of thyroid hormones.

     plural noun: thyroids
2. 2.

   a large cartilage of the larynx, a projection of which forms the Adam's apple in humans.                                                                                                                                             

   Let's see what else there is...

   

   The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. Your thyroid lies below your Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe. The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it.
   Brownish-red in color, the thyroid is rich with blood vessels. Nerves important for voice quality also pass through the thyroid.
   The thyroid secretes several hormones, collectively called thyroid hormones. The main hormone is thyroxine, also called T4. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. During infancy and childhood, adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development.

    

This is the first in an ongoing series all focused on the thyroid, it's importance, what it does, what happens when it doesn't do what it's supposed to, and a whole host of other interesting stuff with recipes and personal stories. Let me hear your story, comment down below. I really want to hear from you and let you know that you are not alone. Have a blessed day and be well.