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Thyroid diseases

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Primary and secondary hypothyroidism
Primary and secondary hypothyroidism
Brain-thyroid link
Brain-thyroid link
Thyroid gland
Thyroid gland

Definition    Return to top

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the voice box (larynx). It produces chemicals (hormones) that help the body control metabolism. Thyroid hormone is also produced in response to another hormone released by the pituitary gland.

There are four main types of thyroid disease:

For information about a specific type of thyroid disease, see one of the following:

Update Date: 6/17/2008

Updated by: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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