Functions:
It is a part of endocrine system, plays a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism. It helps to regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the rate at which food is converted into energy. During infancy and childhood adequate thyroid hormone is important for brain development. Thyroid hormones are essential for function of every cell in the body. The thyroid secretes several hormones collectively known as thyroid hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine, triiodothyronine. Thyroid stimulating hormone which is produced by pituitary gland, acts to stimulate hormone production by thyroid gland. The thyroid gland also makes the hormone calcitonin which is involved in calcium metabolism and stimulating bone cells to add calcium to bone.
Diseases:
There are various disease conditions of thyroid present like, goitre which is a general term for thyroid swelling, thyroiditis which means inflammation of the thyroid may be viral or autoimmune. Hyperthyroidism means excessive thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism means low production of thyroid hormone. Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition where thyroid is over stimulated. Some rare conditions are thyroid nodule, thyroid storm, thyroid cancer.
Interesting Facts:
There is increased need of thyroid hormone during pregnancy or it may cause hypothyroidism which can give rise to pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and death of foetus.
