The Endocrine System: Thyroid Disorders Essay

Submitted By celinenicole96
Words: 1609
Pages: 7
Open Document
Thyroid Gland Activity
Hypothyroidism v. Hyperthyroidism
Celine Nicole Saenz
Coronado High School
February 10th, 2015

Thyroid Gland Activity
Hypothyroidism v. Hyperthyroidism Both over-activity and under activity of the thyroid gland can cause severe metabolic disturbances. Hypothyroid disorders may result from some thyroid gland defect or secondarily from inadequate TSH or TH release. Hyperthyroid disorders mar result in autoimmune diseases. Though each involve the thyroid gland, the two are very different in the effects they have on the body. By examining the thyroid and its functions, a clearer understanding can then be drawn of the importance it hold in maintaining homeostasis in the human body.
The Basics
In order to maintain homeostasis, the human body relies heavily on the endocrine system to control and regulate intercellular communication through the use of chemical signaling. These signals are sent out by endocrine glands through chemicals known as hormones, which in turn travel all over the body primarily through the blood steam. Once the hormones reach their target cells—the intended recipient of the chemical signal—they bind to its receptors, producing the intended response. Each endocrine gland has a specific set of signals it can release and accept, thereby giving each one its own role in keeping the body in homeostasis. The “master gland” of the endocrine system is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes a hormone signal to stimulate either the anterior or posterior pituitary gland (the middle man between the hypothalamus and all other organs) which intern releases the requested hormone that goes on to bind with their intended target cells and these target cells then change as per requested by the hypothalamus. One of the many target cells is the thyroid gland. Located anterior to the trachea, just inferior to the larynx, the thyroid closely resembles that of a butterfly and is made up of mostly thyroid follicles. Within these follicles’ central cavity is a viscous fluid containing glycoprotein thyroglobulin called the colloid. The colloid is where the thyroid hormone is produced, a hormone widely used in the body (OpenStax, 2013, p. 715-719).
Thyroid and Homeostasis
Low blood levels of T3 and T4 stimulate hypothalamus to release thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that goes on to start the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the anterior pituitary. When the anterior pituitary gland releases the TSH to start the production of two types of hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), in the thyroid gland. The production of these hormones is dependent on the presence of iodine. Once the hormones are made they are released into the blood stream and bind to transport proteins called thyroxin-binding globulins, albumin, or other plasma proteins. While some of the T3 and T4 continue to float freely in the blood, the ones that were bound wait until blood levels of T3 and T4 are low to break off to replenish it. Summarized:
1. Low blood levels of T3 and T4 cause the hypothalamus to secrete TRH
2. The TRH signals the anterior pituitary to release TSH
3. The TSH stimulates the secretion of T3 and T4 from the thyroid.
4. Increased levels of T3 and T4 decreases the production and secretion of TSH
The hormones T3 and T4 play an important role in the body as they effects the amount of energy used by the body at rest, are required for protein synthesis, development and growth of tissue and the nervous system in utero and childhood, support adult neurological functions, influence libido, fertility and other reproductive functions, and increase the body’s sensitivity to catecholamines (OpenStax College, 2013, p. 718). In all, because the thyroid hormones regulate so many important body functions, any type of thyroid disorder can be detrimental to one’s health. Also, the hormone calcitonin, which is produced by the parafollicular cells, is released by the thyroid gland. Unlike
Show More

Related Documents: The Endocrine System: Thyroid Disorders Essay

Endocrine System Chap 18 Essay

glandular secretions Produces electrolytes Controls growth and development Answer: d Difficulty: Easy Learning Objective 1: 18.1 Compare control of body functions by the nervous system and endocrine system. Section Reference 1: 18.1 Comparison of Control by the Nervous and Endocrine Systems 2) When a hormone is present in excessive levels, the number of target-cell receptors may decrease. This is called receptor recognition.…

Words 5557 - Pages 23

Drugs For Diabetes Mellitus And Thyroid Disorders

Mellitus & Thyroid Disorders Pharmacology 1141C Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus & Thyroid Disorders The human body is made up of a variety of different systems. They are all important in order for the body to function in the way that it was meant to function. One of the most important body systems is the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of several organs or glands that each has its specific job to perform within the body. One of the organs of the endocrine system is the pancreas…

Words 1325 - Pages 6

Gland Research Paper

hormones. The anterior pituitary controls the activity of many other endocrine glands and that's why it is referred to as the master gland. The posterior pituitary is not an endocrine gland because it does not synthesize the hormones it releases them. Briefly discuss the function…

Words 720 - Pages 3

Thyroid and Normal Thyroid Gland Essay

The human body is a complex….. One of the various systems within the human body is the endocrine system. This system, which is composed of a group of glands, is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of chemical compounds known as hormones into the bloodstream. A major gland of the endocrine is the thyroid gland which is responsible for the synthesis of thyroxin as well as other hormones that control the body’s metabolism. The thyroid gland… Many diseases and conditions may arise and can have…

Words 708 - Pages 3

Thyroid Gland Research Paper

The thyroid gland is a vital part of the endocrine system in the human body. It is directed at maintaining homeostasis and controlling basal metabolic rate. The thyroid is in the neck below the larynx forming a bow-tie shape around the trachea. This gland secretes thyroid hormones and has influence on almost every organ in the human body. In addition, the thyroid gland develops from endoderm and is associated with the pharyngeal gut. This gland is also highly vascularized to aid in circulation of…

Words 1701 - Pages 7

Essay about Endocrine System

MLT 116 Mader Chapter 10: The Endocrine System I. Introduction Endocrine system = endocrine glands & their hormones Hormones = chemical messengers; released directly into bloodstream (or extracellular fluid) ( target tissue ( effect Response is slower & longer lasting than nervous system Endocrinology = study of endocrine glands & their hormones A. Hormone action Two basic types hormones: 1. peptides: amino acids, polypeptides, proteins Ex: T4, FSH, LH…

Words 1534 - Pages 7

Grave's Disease Research Paper

The endocrine system disease I have chosen to write about is called Grave’s disease. Grave’s disease is also an immune system disorder. It is the overproduction of thyroid hormones in the body, often causing hyperthyroidism. Middle-aged women are more susceptible to Grave’s disease. There is also thought to be genetic predispositions to Grave’s disease. Other risk factors for Grave’s disease include: having other autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, stress, and smoking. A few symptoms of Grave’s disease…

Words 278 - Pages 2

Essay On Endocrine System

Endocrine system is a set-up of glands, which produces and releases hormones that help us in the regulation of many significant body functions, especially with the body’s ability to convert the calories into energy that powers cells and the organs. This system influences how our heart beats, how our bones and tissues grow, even the ability to make a baby. It preforms an important role in whether or not we develop diabetes, thyroids disease, growth disorders, sexual dysfunction, and a host of other…

Words 1217 - Pages 5

Brain Research Paper

Hummer Abstract The Brain is the main organ in the Central Nervous System, made up of three parts; the brainstem, cerebellum, and the cerebrum it controls all necessary functions of the body. The Brain utilizes neurotransmitters for the Nervous System and hormones for the Endocrine System to stimulate change within the body and strive to maintain homeostasis. There are multiple glands that are associated with the endocrine system located in the Brain: the Pineal Gland, Hypothalamus, and the Pituitary…

Words 1134 - Pages 5

Pitocin Research Paper

cause the uterus to contract used to induce labor , strengthen contractions, control bleeding after childbirth, or induce an abortion.They both help during labor. There are a lot of diseases and disorders in the endocrine system. A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of the thyroid gland is swelling or lump in the neck. Treatments for the goiter is medication or surgery if necessary. Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of a hormone gland in the neck. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism…

Words 317 - Pages 2