Pharmacy Product - Types Of Cancer - Commom Types Of Cancers The Thyroid
The Thyroid
Your thyroid is a gland at the front of your neck beneath your voice box (larynx). A healthy thyroid is a little larger than a quarter. It usually cannot be felt through the skin.
The thyroid has two parts (lobes). A thin piece of tissue (the isthmus) separates the lobes.
The thyroid makes hormones:
* Thyroid hormone: Thyroid hormone is made by thyroid follicular cells. It affects heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.
* Calcitonin: Calcitonin is made by C cells in the thyroid. It plays a small role in keeping a healthy level of calcium in the body.
Four or more tiny parathyroid glands are behind the thyroid. They are on its surface. They make parathyroid hormone, which plays a big role in helping the body maintain a healthy level of calcium.
The pictures show the front and back of the thyroid.
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