Thyroid Gland Overview

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the thyroid gland and its diseases.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland that regulates metabolism, growth, and development through the production of thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms such as weight gain, cold intolerance, and fatigue.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, characterized by goiter and often ocular symptoms like proptosis.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

An autoimmune condition leading to hypothyroidism, characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland and the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies.

Thyroid Function Tests

Blood tests used to assess thyroid gland performance, including measurements of TSH, T4, and T3 levels.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones by stimulating the thyroid gland.

T3 (Triiodothyronine)

A thyroid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and is more active than its counterpart, T4.

T4 (Thyroxine)

A thyroid hormone that is produced in greater amounts than T3 and serves as a prohormone for T3.

Auscultation for Bruit

A clinical examination method that involves listening for vascular sounds in the thyroid area, which may indicate increased blood flow such as in hyperthyroidism.

Pemberton's Sign

A clinical sign indicating potential retrosternal goiter, characterized by facial engorgement when the arms are raised.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland that can occur due to various conditions, including iodine deficiency and autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid Antibodies

Autoantibodies that target thyroid tissues, often found in autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.

Thyroid Scintigraphy

A diagnostic imaging technique that uses radioactive isotopes to evaluate thyroid function and structure.

Radioactive Iodine Treatment

A common treatment for hyperthyroidism that involves administering radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells.

Thyroid Hormone Resistance

A condition in which the body's tissues are resistant to the effects of thyroid hormones, leading to elevated levels of TSH and thyroid hormones.