The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is an important part of the endocrine system and produces hormones that help regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and development.
The thyroid gland uses iodine from the food we eat to produce two primary hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are released into the bloodstream and affect the functioning of cells throughout the body. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body’s energy levels, temperature, and heart rate, among other things. When the thyroid gland produces too little or too much of these hormones, it can lead to a range of health problems, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland is under the control of the pituitary gland, a small gland the size of a peanut at the base of the brain. When the level of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) drops too low, the pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.
The pituitary gland itself is regulated by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is part of the brain and produces TSH-releasing hormone (TRH) which tells the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland (release TSH). One might imagine the hypothalamus as the person who regulates the thermostat since it tells the pituitary gland at what level the thyroid should be set.
Further Reading:
Endocrine System Structure, Function, & Health Tips