The thyroid gland secretes hormones directly into the blood. Another important structure that has a posteroinferior relationship to the left lobe of the thyroid gland is the thoracic duct. Blood supply to the thyroid gland is achieved by two main arteries; the superior and inferior thyroid arteries.

Thyroid nodule: A small abnormal mass or lump in the thyroid gland. Test your knowledge on this topic with this fun quiz: https://khub.me/unob8 Oh, are you struggling with learning anatomy? In addition to these blood tests, an ultrasound, thyroid scan, or radioactive iodine uptake test can be done to check thyroid function and find the exact cause behind a hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism diagnosis as well as examining any nodules or abnormalities on the thyroid gland. This is our full tutorial about the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Gross anatomy. Describe the location and anatomy of the thyroid gland; Discuss the synthesis of triiodothyronine and thyroxine; Explain the role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of basal metabolism ; Identify the hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid; A butterfly-shaped organ, the thyroid gland is located anterior to the trachea, just inferior to the larynx (Figure 17.4.1). Inferior thyroid artery is very close to the recurrent laryngeal nerve near the base of the thyroid gland. Therefore, it needs to be highly vascularised. The thyroid extends from C5 to T1 and lies anterior to the thyroid and cricoid cartilages of the larynx and the first five or six tracheal rings.. These are paired arteries arising on both the left and right. Therefore, during thyroidectomy it should be ligated away from the base of thyroid gland t o avoid injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The anterior branch of the superior, and the inferior, thyroid arteries are related to the anterior and posterior borders of the thyroid gland, respectively. The enlargement of thyroid gland is termed ‘goitre’. Anatomy of Thyroid Gland. The gland is composed of cuboidal epithelial cells that form follicles filled with colloid, a secretory product that contains thyroglobulin. Getting bloodwork is always the first step and will help your healthcare provider decide if further testing is needed.

The thyroid gland is a rust-colored organ consisting of two lobes connected by a narrow isthmus, located ventro-lateral to the trachea just below the larynx. Goitre. The thyroid is butterfly or "H"-shaped and is composed of two lobes, each with a superior and inferior pole. Few are cancerous.