The thyroid gland, often just called thyroid, is a gland that is located in front of the windpipe (trachea). It’s shaped like a butterfly and has a brownish-red color. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system. It produces the thyroid hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) that control your metabolism, growth and development, as well as body temperature. The thyroid is controlled by a hormone from the pituitary gland called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Sources:
- Hormone Health Network (Endocrine Society). Thyroid Hormones. https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/thyroid-hormones (accessed 8. August 2020)
- Cleveland Clinic. Thyroid Disease. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease (accessed 8. August 2020)
- WebMD. Picture of the Thyroid. https://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-thyroid#1 (accessed 8. August 2020)
