What Is an Endocrinologist?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
10. Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and has evolved to be butterfly shaped. This gland produces triiodothyronine and thyroxine, both of which are very important for regulating bodily functions. The thyroid gland is responsible for the regulation of functions such as the heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism.
Problems with this gland can have effects such as making people depressed, too anxious, and/or causing them to lose or gain weight. The gland can sometimes become swollen, causing the neck to also become swollen, creating what is known as a goiter. In cases of an overactive thyroid gland, radioactive iodine treatment may be necessary.
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