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Endocrine System: Thyroid and Pituitary Gland Lecture
Jun 15, 2024
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Thyroid Gland and Pituitary Gland
Pituitary Gland
Located in the brain, known as the "master gland"
Produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid Gland
Located in the neck, attached to the trachea
Produces thyroxine (T3 and T4)
Requires iodine from diet for thyroxine production
Structure contains a precursor called thyroglobulin
Hormones and Their Interaction
TSH:
Produced by pituitary, stimulates thyroid to produce thyroxine
Thyroxine (T3 and T4):
Contains iodine; T3 has 3 iodines, T4 has 4 iodines
Dietary Iodine:
Crucial for thyroxine production, can come from seafood
Example: Radioactive iodine can be used to destroy thyroid tissue in cancer treatment
Negative Feedback Loop
Presence of thyroxine in blood regulates TSH production
High thyroxine → Low TSH production
Low thyroxine → High TSH production
Hypothyroidism:
Diagnosed by elevated TSH
Hyperthyroidism:
Diagnosed by low TSH
Aka a "negative feedback loop"
Functions of Thyroxine
Increase ATP Production:
Enhances oxygen and glucose consumption, increases cellular activity
Cardiovascular Effects:
Increases heart rate and blood pressure
Blood Production:
Stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow
Brain Activity:
Enhances mood, energy, and clarity of thinking
Thyroid Dysfunctions
Hypothyroidism
Causes: Imbalances post-pregnancy, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's)
Symptoms:
Brain:
Foggy thinking, depression, low energy
Heart:
Low heart rate, low blood pressure
Red Blood Cells:
Anemia, feeling cold, pallor, fatigue
Metabolism:
Overweight, tiredness, low ATP production
Hyperthyroidism
Causes: Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Graves' disease), thyroid cancer
Symptoms:
Brain:
Agitation, irritability
Heart:
Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, exophthalmos (eye protrusion)
Red Blood Cells:
May cause polycythemia (though not typical term), feeling hot, flushed
Metabolism:
Weight loss, restlessness
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis: TSH Levels
Elevated TSH: Typically indicates hypothyroidism
Low TSH: Typically indicates hyperthyroidism
Treatment: Radioactive Iodine
Used to kill thyroid cells in cancer or severe hyperthyroidism cases
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