The number of people suffering from thyroid disease has increased significantly and is increasing every year. This is due not only to iodine deficiency, but also to an increase in the radioactive background, with a decrease in immunity and genetic diseases. The slightest violations of the functions of the thyroid gland bring with them huge pathologies in the work of the endocrine system (dysfunctions, hyperfunctions, hypofunctions of the endocrine glands). All these violations threaten with serious diseases, which we often confuse with fatigue and exhaustion.
The thyroid gland as an integral part of the endocrine system
Endocrine system – it is a complex mechanism with two-way connections between all endocrine glands and body systems, between all organs and the environment. Endocrine glands (or endocrine glands) secrete hormones that are distributed throughout the body through capillaries. Dissolving in the blood, hormones completely change the functioning of human organs and tissues.
Endocrine glands are divided into two types:
- central glands (hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland);
- peripheral glands (adrenals, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, parathyroid and gonads).
The thyroid gland or simply "thyroid gland" It has many functions that are indispensable in the endocrine system and throughout the human body. It is formed by two lobes, which are connected by an isthmus, and in the form of a "thyroid gland" resembles a butterfly.
The gland is well palpable, so the endocrinologist can easily recognize the presence of diseases in it.
The entire thyroid gland is permeated with nerve endings, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and is covered with connective tissue. It is divided into lobules, consisting of vesicles (follicles). The follicles are filled with colloid – a substance consisting of compounds of proteins and iodine-containing hormones.
Three types of cells form follicles:
- A – active cells. Cells of this type are involved in the metabolism of iodine, as well as in the synthesis of thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3);
- In – cambial cells (form active cells);
- With – parafollicular cells that take part in the synthesis of calcitonin.
Thanks to calcitonin, the functions of the thyroid gland occupy a significant place in human life, because this hormone regulates phosphorus-calcium metabolism and enhances the work of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts).
The functions of the thyroid gland in the full life of the body
The amount and intensity of the production of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine is regulated by the pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The normal level of THT in the blood, which stimulates the functions of the thyroid gland, – a necessary condition for the normal functioning of the organism.
The thyroid gland, or rather thyroid hormones, has a huge impact on all processes in our body:
- stimulate metabolism;
- control body weight;
- regulate processes: breathing, eating, movement, sleep, heart and reproductive system work;
- activate mental activity;
- necessary for the healthy physical development of a young organism, the formation of skeletal bones;
- for the development of the mammary glands in women;
- regulate the water-salt balance;
- for the normal functioning of the immune system.
For the production of "thyroid" hormones; iodine is an important element. An excess or deficiency of thyroid hormones in the body depends on its quantity.
You can normalize the amount of iodine with the help of iodine-containing products (fish, milk, seaweed, eggs, seafood).
With a lack of hormones T4 and T3, autoimmune thyroiditis, coronary heart disease, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, and liver dysfunction develop. With an excess of T4 and T3 hormones (thyrotoxicosis), there are imbalances in the sex hormones and the cardiovascular system.
How sad it is, but the topic of thyroid dysfunction does not lose its relevance. Main – respond in time to the slightest changes in the thyroid gland, undergo regular medical examinations, use iodine-containing foods or special nutritional supplements. Otherwise, you can spend more than one month on the treatment of thyroid dysfunction.
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