skjaldkirtil

Skjaldkirtil is the Icelandic word for thyroid gland. The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck, consisting of two connected lobes, that is responsible for producing and secreting thyroid hormones. These hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), regulate metabolism throughout the body. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, a hormone that plays a role in calcium regulation.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box) and above the collarbone. It is shaped somewhat like a butterfly, with the two lobes wrapped around the trachea (windpipe). The gland is highly vascularized and is controlled by the pituitary gland through thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Disorders of the thyroid gland are common and can include hypothyroidism, where the gland produces too little thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Hyperthyroidism, conversely, occurs when the gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety. Other conditions include goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, and thyroid nodules, which are lumps that can form within the gland. Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions are typically managed by healthcare professionals.