Thyroid Gland Lecture Review

Flashcards related to key terms and concepts from the Lecture on the Thyroid Gland.

Thyroid Gland

An endocrine gland responsible for producing hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which regulate metabolism.

Thyroxine (T4)

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland, involved in regulating metabolism and energy levels.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

A more active form of thyroid hormone that is derived from thyroxine and regulates many aspects of metabolism.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

Goitre

An enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be caused by various conditions including iodine deficiency.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)

A diagnostic procedure that uses a thin needle to obtain a sample of cells from a thyroid nodule for examination.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, leading to symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased appetite.

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a range of symptoms including fatigue and weight gain.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and react with a person's own tissues or organs, such as in autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid.

Thyroid nodules

Growths or lumps in the thyroid gland that may be solid or cystic, which can be benign or malignant.

Thyroid carcinoma

A type of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland, with various subtypes including papillary, follicular, and anaplastic carcinomas.

Neoplasia

The process of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth, which can lead to the formation of tumors.

Thyroid function tests

Blood tests used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland by measuring levels of thyroid hormones and TSH.

Isotope scanning

A medical imaging procedure used to assess the function of the thyroid gland, often to search for hyperfunctioning nodules or cancer.

Parathyroid glands

Glands located near the thyroid gland that regulate calcium levels in the body by producing parathyroid hormone.

Thyroid autoantibodies

Antibodies that target thyroid tissue, indicating autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.

Radioiodine therapy

A treatment for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer that involves administering radioactive iodine to selectively destroy thyroid cells.

Anaplastic carcinoma

A highly aggressive form of thyroid cancer characterized by undifferentiated cells and poor prognosis.

Medullary carcinoma

A type of thyroid cancer that arises from parafollicular C cells and often secretes calcitonin.