3 Review(s)

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a buttery-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body.Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function.The thyroid gland is located below the Adam’s apple wrapped around the trachea (windpipe).A thin area of tissue in the gland’s middle, known as the isthmus, joins the two thyroid lobes on each side. The thyroid uses iodine to produce vital hormones.The function of the thyroid gland is regulated by a feedback mechanism involving the brain. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the hypothalamus in the brain produces a hormone known as thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) that causes the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).Since the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, disorders of these tissues can also affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems.