Where is Thyroid Gland Located?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the vertebrates. The gland performs the important job of creating and releasing the right amount of thyroid hormones in the body. It also controls many important functions in your body and keeps you fit and healthy. Therefore, a change in the functioning of the gland due to thyroid disorders can impact your overall well-being and require medical attention.

So, where is thyroid gland located and what are its functions? Let’s take a look.

Thyroid Gland : What is it?

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland produces essential hormones in your body. The gland support healthy metabolism by converting the food you consume into energy. It also helps regulate your body’s growth and development and the functioning of different organs.

Anatomy – Where is it located?

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland found in the front portion of the neck, at the base. It is shaped like a butterfly and weighs around 25-30 grams in adults. This 2-inch-long gland is divided into two lobes on either side of the trachea. The lobes called the right lobe and left lobe are connected in the middle by isthmus.

The thyroid follicular cells which are called thyrocytes make up the thyroid gland. These cells are responsible for creating, storing and secreting the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) and C-cells.

A healthy thyroid gland is not visible outside the throat. However, the gland can get enlarged due to goitre or similar conditions. In such cases, you can see a swelling at the base of the neck. Other signs of goitre are tightness in the throat and hoarseness in the voice.

Functions

The thyroid gland performs following functions in the human body:

1. It produces and secretes the right amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. The gland produces more hormones when your body needs more energy. For example, if you are down with a cold and fever, the thyroid gland will produce more hormones to boost your energy levels.

2. It controls your body’s metabolic rate, i.e., the process of transforming food into energy.

3. It supports brain development and bone maintenance.

4. It controls the functioning of your heart, digestive system, muscles and other organs in the body.

5. The hormone also controls your weight, body temperature and mood.