MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Thyroid diseases

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Thyroid diseases

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Endocrine glands

Primary and secondary hypothyroidism

Brain-thyroid link

Thyroid gland

Definition Return to top

The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck on both sides of the lower part of the larynx and upper part of the trachea. The gland produces thyroid hormone in response to stimulation by a hormone from the pituitary gland. Thyroid hormone acts throughout the body to regulate the metabolism of the cells.

Thyroid diseases can be broadly divided into the following categories:

Overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism)
Underproduction of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
Benign (noncancerous) thyroid disease
Thyroid cancer

For information about a specific type of thyroid disease see one of the following:

Update Date: 1/7/2003

Updated by: Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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