Endocrinologist Prof. Wüster provides information about the thyroid

MAINZ Although the thyroid gland (glandula thyreoidea) is a very small organ, it has an effect on the entire organism. The butterfly-shaped organ, which is located below the larynx, is vital. The larynx consists of three large cartilages:

• Thyroid cartilage (cartilago thyroidea),
• Cricoid cartilage (cartilago cricoidea) and
• The epiglottis.

The thyroid gland lies directly under the thyroid cartilage in front of the trachea – hence the name. The thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands that release hormones, so-called secretion products, directly into the bloodstream.

Thyroid gland releases hormones directly into the bloodstream

The thyroid gland produces the hormone calcitonin and the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In order for the thyroid gland to produce these two hormones, iodine is required, which is taken directly from the bloodstream. The thyroid gland does not work independently.

It is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. A functioning thyroid gland is vital, especially during the human growth phase. Thyroid hormones influence the entire nervous system, brain development, energy metabolism, cardiovascular function and the functioning of the stomach and intestines. The reproductive organs, muscles and bones are also influenced by the thyroid gland.

Thyroid dysfunction affects the entire organism

It is therefore no wonder that a functional disorder of the thyroid gland can have massive effects on the entire organism. Enlargement of the thyroid gland is the most common disorder. In the practice of endocrinologist Prof Dr Christian Wüster in Mainz, an enlarged thyroid gland is first comprehensively examined. Laboratory values provide a picture of the patient’s hormone balance.

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