Where it is
In front of the trachea below the larynx: two lobes joined by an isthmus over the second to fourth tracheal rings. (Illustrative shape in this model.)
What it does
Produces T3 and T4, which increase metabolism, heart rate and heat production, and calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium. Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormone.
Clinical relevance
- Hypothyroidism slows everything down; hyperthyroidism speeds everything up.
- Thyroid storm is a life-threatening surge of hormone with high fever and tachycardia.
- Thyroidectomy can damage the recurrent laryngeal nerve (hoarseness) or the parathyroids (hypocalcemia).
Nursing focus
- After thyroidectomy, keep a tracheostomy tray, oxygen and suction at the bedside, support the neck and check voice and calcium levels.