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The role of the thyroid gland in the human body
The thyroid gland is a small organ located in the neck. It occupies the anterior and lateral portion of the trachea. The thyroid gland is similar in shape to a butterfly; two lobes can be distinguished in it, which are connected by the isthmus. If there are no deviations in her work, there are no tumors, then by palpation it will not be possible to detect the organ.
The main purpose of the thyroid gland is the production of a number of hormones that affect vital processes. Their number is regulated by the pituitary gland. It is able to increase or decrease the release of hormones into the blood. Disruption of the pituitary gland leads to problems with the gland.
What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
The thyroid gland produces the following hormones that immediately enter the bloodstream:
Calcitonin. This hormone, unlike others, is not iodine-containing. The level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood depends on its amount.
Thyroxine. Substances that are its derivatives are called thyroid hormones. Thyroxine affects metabolic processes, features of growth and development in the body. Brain cells are subject to oxidative reactions that take place with the participation of the substance. Lack or excess of this hormone can cause complications. Patients whose blood levels exceed the norm are prone to myxedema. Deficiency of thyroxin at the initial stages of development of the human body leads to cretinism. In addition, this substance is in close connection with the production of protein.
Triiodothyronine. When thyroxine is decoded, this hormone is released. But its formation in this way occurs in the liver and kidneys. The thyroid gland secretes triiodothyronine in smaller volumes.
All hormones that are produced by the body are involved in the process of metabolism in the human body. In addition, they affect the work of other systems, including the nervous, digestive tract.
Disruption of the thyroid gland
All problems that arise with the production of thyroid hormones can be divided into 2 groups:
The first includes those that are associated with insufficient release of hormones into the blood.
The second type of abnormality involves disorders caused by an excess of hormones produced in the body, which causes hyperthyroidism. Under its influence, toxins accumulate in the body. This type of hyperthyroidism is known as thyrotoxicosis.
It is closely associated with the following diseases:
Autoimmune thyroiditis at the first stages of development;
Graves’ disease (diffuse toxic goiter or Graves’ disease);
Thyroid adenoma (toxic).
If the hormones during the work of the thyroid gland are not secreted enough, then hypothyroidism develops. The first part of this term means lack, too little.
Hypothyroidism can be caused by:
Endemic goiter – in this case, the body does not receive water, iodine with food in the required volumes, the patient has difficulty breathing;
Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
After the removal of the thyroid gland, the body stops producing the corresponding hormones. The fact that it ceases to perform its main functions is also caused by taking several courses of thyreostatics, congenital abnormalities, and organ damage.
Disorders in the thyroid gland manifest themselves in the form of various symptoms. The clinical picture depends on whether the patient suffers from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. It is possible to suggest a specific diagnosis based on external signs in the patient’s behavior.
So, hyperthyroidism appears in the form of:
Increased mobility and restlessness;
Quick change of mood;
Irritability;
A large number of movements that the patient makes;
Thirst;
Fast pace of speech, rapid breathing;
An unhealthy gleam in the eyes;
Increased sweating and insomnia;
Sudden weight loss;
Frequent urge to urinate;
Edema of the lower eyelid;
eye asymmetries;
Liquid stool;
Owl eyes;
Exposure of the sclera from the iris to the lower eyelid;
High blood pressure;
Acceleration of all vital processes in the body.
In turn, hypothyroidism can be identified by the following signs:
memory impairment;
Patient lethargy, lethargy, lethargy;
Absences;
Lack of shine in the eyes;
Patient’s taciturnity;
Low blood pressure;
Lack of appetite;
Increase in body weight;
Violation of mental activity;
Infrequent urination;
Daytime sleepiness;
Dry mouth upon waking;
puffiness;
Dryness and roughness of the skin;
constipation;
slow heartbeat;
Decreased performance;
High blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension.