15. Functional Morphology of the thyroid gland.

Iodine containing thyroid

hormones. Physiological effects and control of secretion. Hyper- and
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a little larger than a quarter and is shaped like a butterfly. The thyroid has 2 lobes,
one on each side of the trachea (windpipe). The two lobes are connected by a thin bridge of
thyroid tissue called the isthmus.

- made up of 2 kinds of cells that make hormones: follicular cells & C-cells
- Other less common cells in the thyroid include lymphocytes and structural support cells
called stromal cells.

The thyroid gland produces hormones which regulate the body’s metabolic rate as well as heart
and digestive function, muscle control, brain development and bone maintenance. Its correct
functioning depends on having a good supply of iodine from the diet.

The release of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland is controlled by thyrotrophin-releasing
hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus in the brain and by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
produced by the pituitary gland. This forms part of a feedback loop called the hypothalamic-
pituitary-thyroid axis.

Follicular cells make the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In order to
make these hormones, follicular cells need iodine, a mineral found in some foods and iodized
salt. These thyroid hormones control heart rate, body temperature and metabolism (how quickly
the body changes food into energy).

Thyroxine (T4; tetraiodothyronine)

- Effects:
o main hormone being the inactive form and most of it is converted to an active form
called triiodothyronine by organs such as the liver and kidneys
 o Thyroid hormones play vital roles in regulating the body’s metabolic rate, heart and
digestive functions, muscle control, brain development and maintenance of bones.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

- is the active form of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine

- Approximately 20% of triiodothyronine is secreted into the bloodstream directly by the thyroid
gland. The remaining 80% is produced from conversion of thyroxine by organs such as the liver
and kidneys.
- Effects:
o vital roles in regulating the body’s metabolic rate, heart and digestive functions, muscle
control, brain development and the maintenance of bones

Control of secretion:

- controlled by a feedback loop system which involves the hypothalamus in the brain and
the pituitary and thyroid glands.
- The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone which, in turn, stimulates the
pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone.
- This hormone stimulates the production of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine and
triiodothyronine, by the thyroid gland.
- This hormone production system is regulated by a negative feedback loop so that when
the levels of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine increase, they prevent
the release of both thyrotropin-releasing hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone. This
system allows the body to maintain a constant level of thyroid hormones in the body.

Hyperthyroidism:

- overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) from conditions such as Graves' disease,
inflammation of the thyroid or a benign tumour
-  Thyrotoxicosis, when too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream
- may be recognised by a goitre which is a swelling of the neck due to enlargement of the thyroid
- Other symptoms - rapid and irregular heartbeat, trouble sleeping, nervousness, hunger,
weight loss, feeling of being too warm

Hpothyroidism:

- production of too little thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

- This may be because of autoimmune diseases, poor iodine intake or the result of taking particular drugs.
.Since thyroid hormones are essential for physical and mental development, hypothyroidism before birth
and during childhood results in learning disability and reduced physical growth.
Hypothyroidism in adults results in a slowing of the body’s functions with symptoms such as tiredness, intolerance
to cold temperatures, low heart rate, weight gain, reduced appetite, poor memory, depression, stiffness of the muscles
and infertility.