🌚 Flashcards
What is the thyroid gland?
A bilobate endocrine gland located in the anterior neck region
How many lobes does the thyroid gland have?
Two large lateral lobes
What connects the two lobes of the thyroid gland?
An isthmus, a thin band of thyroid tissue
What are the approximate dimensions of each lobe of the thyroid gland?
- Length: ~5 cm
- Width: ~2.5 cm
- Weight: 20 to 30 g
Where are the lobes of the thyroid gland located?
On either side of the larynx and trachea
What surrounds the thyroid gland?
A thin loose connective tissue capsule
What do the septa/trabeculae from the capsule do?
Extend into the parenchyma of the gland dividing it into lobules
What do the septa convey into the gland?
- Blood vessels
- Lymphatics
- Nerves
What are the functional units of the thyroid gland?
Secretory/thyroid follicles
Describe the structure of a thyroid follicle.
Roughly spherical cyst-like compartment with a wall formed by simple cuboidal or low columnar epithelium
What does the follicular epithelium rest on?
A basement membrane
Fill in the blank: The thyroid gland consists of two large lateral lobes connected by an _______.
[isthmus]
True or False: The thyroid gland weighs between 10 to 20 grams.
False
What are the two types of cells that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine in the adrenal medulla?
Epinephrine-secreting cells and norepinephrine-secreting cells
These cells are responsible for the production of catecholamines.
How do epinephrine-secreting cells appear under a transmission electron microscope?
They show smaller and less electron-dense granules, whose contents fill the granule
This indicates a difference in hormone storage between the two cell types.