What Does the Thyroid Do?
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The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the neck. The gland consists of two lobes, each on either side of the front part of the neck. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and produces thyroid hormones. When it works properly without deficiencies or other issues, it is not possible to feel the thyroid gland with your hand even if you apply pressure to your neck.
This, however, changes if the thyroid gland is exposed to disease; in which case, it enlarges, with the swelling showing in the neck. The condition whereby the thyroid gland is swollen is called a goiter. But what does the thyroid do and why is it an important part of the body?
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1. Produces Thyroid Hormones
The main function of the thyroid gland is the production of thyroid hormones. These include T3, T4, and calcitonin.
All these thyroid hormones are composed of two main substances, namely iodine and tyrosine. T3 contains 3 iodine atoms while T4 contains 4 iodine atoms. These hormones have different roles in the body as discussed elsewhere in this article.
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