Abstract
The term anatomy can be defined as the study of structure and form of an organism including its body parts, while physiology refers to the study of how these structures function and work.
This chapter outlines the anatomy of the thyroid gland, including the embryology and development, location, blood and nerve supply, and histology. It then details thyroid hormone physiology including thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion, transport and metabolism, and mechanism of action. It concludes with discussion of the thyroid hormone axis.
Relevant knowledge and understanding is fundamental to the understanding of thyroid disorders and key to underpinning care in clinical decision-making. Applying accurate knowledge of thyroid anatomy and physiology enables clinical practitioners to care, treat, and manage patients with thyroid disorders more effectively.
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Abbreviations
- T3:
-
Triiodothyronine
- T4:
-
Thyroxine
- TBG:
-
Thyroid-binding globulin
- TPO:
-
Thyroperoxidase
- TRH:
-
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone
- TSH:
-
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
- TTR:
-
Transthyretin
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Broughton, C., Ahmad, B. (2019). Thyroid Anatomy and Physiology. In: Llahana, S., Follin, C., Yedinak, C., Grossman, A. (eds) Advanced Practice in Endocrinology Nursing. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99817-6_26
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99817-6_26
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