Thyroid Gland: Role and Anatomy

Anatomy: What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid is located in the front of the neck and weighs between 15 and 30 grams, varying according to body composition and gender. It is situated between vertebrae C5 and T1. Its shape resembles a butterfly. The gland has two lobes (right and left) located laterally and in front of the larynx and trachea, each about the size of a fingertip. These lobes are joined on the midline by the isthmus. The outer covering of the thyroid gland consists of a thin fibrous capsule and is attached to the upper tracheal rings and the cricoid cartilage by dense connective tissue. This ensures that the gland is firmly anchored in the anterior neck region and allows for slight up-and-down movements during swallowing. These movements can facilitate physical examination by an endocrinologist, for example, by asking the patient to swallow while palpating the gland or offering a glass of water to facilitate swallowing. Interestingly, 40% of adults have a pyramidal lobe located in the upper part of the thyroid gland. Its absence is not an anomaly or malignancy; it is simply an anatomical variation due to embryology, without clinical repercussions.

What is the purpose of the thyroid gland?

It is essential to understand the role of the thyroid gland in regulating metabolism through hormone production. Indeed, T3, T4, free T4, and their variants play a key role in the body's energy use and also influence the functioning of various organs.

What is the role of thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining a regulated body temperature, stable heart rate, and balanced blood pressure. They also play a crucial role in the functioning of the central nervous system, bone growth, tissue development, and the reproductive system. In fact, thyroid function impacts vital organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. This means that T3 and T4 influence almost all of our body's essential functions. Thyroid function is crucial for children's growth and has a significant impact on adult health. When its functioning is disrupted, it has deleterious consequences on the entire body due to altered hormone production.

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Why is diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders crucial?

As previously mentioned, the thyroid plays a crucial role in the secretion of T3 and T4 hormones, thus regulating various vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, mental concentration, menstrual cycle, and cellular respiration. It is therefore essential to detect any thyroid dysfunction and to implement appropriate treatment. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, while hyperthyroidism corresponds to excessive hormone production. Both conditions primarily affect women.

What foods are forbidden for the thyroid?

Make sure you eat healthily: The thyroid, an endocrine gland located in the neck, is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and growth. If you suffer from thyroid problems, you may wonder if there are foods to avoid to prevent any worsening of your condition. While food is not the primary cause of thyroid disorders, some can hinder the absorption of iodine, an element essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Thus, a balanced diet is paramount.

What are the risk periods associated with the thyroid?

There are some frequently associated factors that can increase the chances of developing a thyroid gland disorder, such as:

• Sex: It is more common for women than men to be affected by thyroid dysfunction;
• Age: the risk increases after 50 years of age;
• Family history: The risk may increase in cases of thyroid problems during pregnancy, or if family members have been affected by this problem;
• Smoking: People who smoke or have smoked have an increased risk of suffering from an autoimmune thyroid disorder;
• The use of certain medications or specific therapies;
• A diet deficient in iodine or, conversely, an overconsumption of iodine or natural supplements;

What are the thyroid exams?

Palpation of the thyroid

Palpating the thyroid gland can provide the doctor with various information, thus detecting thyroid problems:

• Thyroid cancer: the presence of a thyroid nodule or the presence of a mass suspicious of thyroid cancer;
• Changes in thyroid volume (swollen thyroid);
• Changes in thyroid consistency;
• Any pain evoked by palpation;

Thyroid ultrasound

Thyroid ultrasound technology allows for a detailed analysis of the thyroid gland, assessing its structure and size. It also allows for the detection of any nodules and to differentiate cysts - which are fluid-filled nodules - from solid nodules.

Thyroid scintigraphy

To better understand the structure and function of your thyroid gland, thyroid scintigraphy is an essential tool. It provides valuable information about this vital organ.

Scintigraphy: definition, dangers, why do it?

To perform this examination, a small amount of radioactive iodine will be injected into a vein, allowing observation of its accumulation in the thyroid gland using a special machine. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to differentiate hot thyroid nodules (which produce too many hormones and are generally benign) from cold nodules (which do not produce hormones but may be cancerous).

Hormonal assays of T3 and T4

There are two distinct tests, total T4 and free T4 (FT4), which play an essential role in the evaluation of thyroid function by doctors. These tests determine whether the thyroid gland's hormonal feedback mechanism is working properly. In some cases, a T3 test may also be prescribed, providing the doctor with additional diagnostic information.

TSH assay

The test assesses the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) present in the blood. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the back of the brain and sinuses, and is only part of the complex blood regulation mechanism of the two thyroid hormones: T4 and T3.

Blood tests

Blood tests assess the levels of circulating thyroid hormones. Levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in the blood can also be measured, which can provide information on the possible presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, known as Hashimoto's disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

What diet for a healthy thyroid?

To maintain optimal health, it is crucial to follow a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, legumes, meat, whole grains, eggs, and fish. This diet is essential to ensure the proper functioning of our entire body, including the thyroid. It is important to note that scientific research has not shown that any particular food can disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland. Thyroid disorders are often linked to inflammation. To promote a healthy and anti-inflammatory diet, it is recommended to avoid certain eating habits. It is important to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods, fried foods, fast foods, sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol.

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