HUMAN ANATOMY AND

PHYSIOLOGY -II

THYROID GLAND
ROLL NO: 51-60
 INTRODUCTION

 The thyroid gland is an important part of

the endocrine system, located in the front
of the neck.
 It produces hormones that regulate
metabolism, growth, and development
throughout the body.
 These hormones include thyroxine (T4)
and triiodothyronine (T3).
 The thyroid gland is regulated by a
feedback loop involving the hypothalamus
and pituitary gland.
 Disorders of the thyroid gland, such as
hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can
impact overall health and require proper
diagnosis and management.
 Structure of Thyroid Gland
 The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ
located in the front of the neck, just below the
Adam’s apple.
 It consists of two lobes connected by a thin
strip of tissue called the isthmus.
 Each lobe is roughly the size of a small plum.
Inside the thyroid gland are tiny spherical
structures called follicles, which produce, store,
and release thyroid hormones.
 These hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3), play crucial roles in
regulating metabolism, growth, and
development throughout the body.
 The thyroid gland is richly supplied with blood
vessels and nerves, ensuring its proper function
and communication with the rest of the body.
 Biosynthesis of Thyroid hormone

Steps of biosynthesis are as follows:-

1. Iodide Uptake: Iodide (I-) is actively transported into the follicular cells from the
bloodstream by a sodium-iodide symporter located on the basolateral membrane of the
cells. This process requires energy in the form of ATP..

2. Thyroglobulin Synthesis and Secretion: Within the follicular cells, thyroglobulin (Tg),
a large glycoprotein, is synthesized and secreted into the colloid, which fills the interior
of the follicles.

3. Iodination of Thyroglobulin: Iodide ions are oxidized to iodine (I2) within the
colloid and then attached to tyrosine residues on the thyroglobulin molecule,
forming monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and diiodotyrosine (DIT).
 Biosynthesis of Thyroid hormone

4. Coupling
• of MIT and DIT: MIT and DIT molecules undergo condensation reactions to
form thyroid hormones. The coupling of one molecule of MIT with one molecule of DIT
produces triiodothyronine (T3), while the coupling of two molecules of DIT produces
thyroxine (T4).

5. Endocytosis and Proteolysis: Thyroglobulin containing T3 and T4 is

endocytosed back into the follicular cells, where it is broken down by lysosomal
enzymes, releasing free T3 and T4 into the cytoplasm.

6.Release of Thyroid Hormones: Free T3 and T4 are then released from the follicular
cells into the bloodstream, where they bind to carrier proteins such as thyroxine-binding
globulin (TBG) for transport to target tissues.This process is tightly regulated by
feedback mechanisms involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland to
maintain proper levels of thyroid hormones in the body.
 Disorders

The thyroid gland can be affected by various disorders,

leading to either overactivity (hyperthyroidism) or
underactivity (hypothyroidism) of the gland, as well as
other conditions:

1. Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when

the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount
of thyroid hormones. Common causes include
Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and
thyroid nodules. Symptoms may include weight
loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, and
heat intolerance.
 Disorders

2. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the thyroid gland

does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can result
from autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis),
thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, or iodine deficiency.
Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, cold
intolerance, constipation, and depression.

3. Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer occurs when

abnormal cells within the thyroid gland grow and
multiply uncontrollably. The most common types
of thyroid cancer include papillary carcinoma and
follicular carcinoma. Treatment often involves
surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid
hormone replacement therapy.