Treatment of Thyroid Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the treatment of thyroid disorders.

Thyroid Gland

Produces, stores, and releases metabolically active hormones; maintains metabolic stability, growth and development, body temperature and energy use.

Thyroxine (T4)

One of the main hormones secreted by the thyroid, important for growth, development, and regulating energy metabolism.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Another main thyroid hormone that is critical for growth, development, and energy metabolism control.

Calcitonin

Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Follicular Cells

Cells in the thyroid gland responsible for synthesizing thyroid hormones from thyroglobulin.

Colloid

A thick fluid in the thyroid follicles that contains thyroglobulin, which is iodinated to produce thyroid hormones.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis

A regulatory pathway in which the hypothalamus releases TRH, prompting the pituitary to secrete TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism

Excessive activity of thyroid hormones, characterized by a high metabolic rate, nervous symptoms, and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism

Insufficient production of thyroid hormones, leading to low metabolic rate, lethargy, weight gain, and cold sensitivity.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder that causes excessive production of thyroid hormones, often presenting with symptoms like eye problems, skin thickening, and nervous symptoms.

Myxoedema Coma

The end stage of long-standing, untreated hypothyroidism, characterized by severe symptoms including hypothermia and altered sensorium.

Thyroid Storm

A life-threatening condition of severe thyrotoxicosis with symptoms such as high fever and tachycardia, often triggered by various stressors.