MLT 234: Clinical Chemistry II Lesson 7: The Thyroid Gland

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts related to the Thyroid Gland as studied in MLT 234: Clinical Chemistry II.

5 Functions of the Thyroid Gland

1. Increases heat production 2. Assists in brain maturation 3. Tissue Growth 4. Increases Oxygen consumption 5. Increases adrenal receptors

Negative Feedback Loop

A mechanism in which rising levels of thyroid hormones inhibit the release of TSH from the pituitary by stopping the production of TRH from the hypothalams.

Primary Hyperthyroidism

A condition where thyroid hormones (FT4) continue to elevate even though the production of TSH is suppressed.

Primary Hypothyroidism

A condition where the hypothalamus senses low FT4 levels and produces more TSH, but it doesn’t affect nor cause growth of FT4 hormones.

Euthyroid Sick

A condition where patients have abnormal thyroid function tests despite having normal thyroid function, or they display signs of Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism but have normal thyroid test results.

Hashimoto’s Disease

An autoimmune disorder resulting in chronic inflammation of the thyroid and leading to hypothyroidism.

Grave’s Disease

An autoimmune disorder causing overactivity of the thyroid (hyperthyroidism) often characterized by goiter and exophthalmos.

Non-thyroid Illness

An illness unrelated to thyroid function that can influence thyroid hormone levels and measurements.