Thyroid Gland and Hypothyroidism Flashcards

Flashcards covering the thyroid gland, its hormones, and hypothyroidism.

What is the functional unit of the thyroid gland?

A follicle, formed by follicular cells arranged into hollow spheres.

What is the lumen of the thyroid follicle filled with?

Colloid, which serves as an extracellular storage site for thyroid hormone.

What amino acid are the two iodine-containing hormones produced by the follicular cells derived from?

Tyrosine.

Name the two iodine-containing hormones produced by the thyroid gland mentioned in the notes.

Tetraiodothyronine (T4 or thyroxine) and Tri-iodothyronine (T3).

What hormone do C cells of the thyroid gland secrete?

Calcitonin

List common symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Hair loss, apathy, lethargy, dry skin (coarse & scaly), muscle aches, weakness, constipation, intolerance to cold, receding hairline, facial/eyelid edema, dull-blank expression, extreme fatigue, thick tongue, slow speech, anorexia, brittle nails & hair, and menstrual disturbances.

List some late clinical manifestations of Hypothyroidism?

Subnormal temperature, bradycardia, weight gain, thickened skin, and cardiac complications.

Describe facial characteristics of Myxedema?

Dry, coarse, sparse hair, thin lateral eyebrows, periorbital edema and puffy dull face with dry skin.