Where Is Your Thyroid Gland?

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Location of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located in the midline of the neck, just below the cricoid cartilage (the cartilage that forms the Adam's apple). It is surrounded by muscles and other tissues, and is connected to the trachea (windpipe) by a thin ligament.

The thyroid gland is divided into two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. The lobes are connected by a narrow strip of tissue called the isthmus.

The thyroid gland is located close to several other important structures in the neck, including the parathyroid glands, the carotid arteries, and the jugular veins.

Size and Shape of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a relatively small gland, weighing between 15 and 20 grams. It is about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.

The shape of the thyroid gland varies from person to person. In some people, the gland is butterfly-shaped, while in others it is more U-shaped or H-shaped.

Function of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

Thyroxine is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is converted to triiodothyronine in the body, which is the active form of the hormone.

Thyroid hormones play a role in a variety of bodily functions, including:

• Metabolism
• Growth
• Development
• Reproduction
• Cardiovascular function
• Gastrointestinal function
• Neurological function

Where Is Your Thyroid Gland