2: Pathology of the thyroid gland Flashcards
At what level is the thyroid gland found?
C5 - T1
Where does the thyroid gland start out during development?
Through which hole in the tongue does it move inferiorly?
Which passage carries it to the neck?
Tongue
Foramen caecum
Thyroglossal duct
What is a thyroid called when it fails to descend through the thyroglossal duct?
Lingual thyroid
If the thyroid gland descends too much during development, where can it end up?
Mediastinum
behind the sternum
What is a thyroglossal duct cyst?
Benign growth which moves with swallowing
The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ composed of ___, where the thyroid hormones are produced.
follicles
What chemical is found in thyroid follicles?
Thyroglobulin
Which cells produce T3 and T4?
Follicular cells
Which cells are found next to follicles and secrete calcitonin?
C cells (parafollicular cells)
hypothalamus
trh
anterior pituitary
tsh
thyroid gland
t3 and t4
target cells
When T3 / 4 levels are high, the secretion of hormones along the h.p.t axis is (increased / suppressed).
suppressed
What type of receptor are TSH receptors?
G protein receptors
Release of T3 and T4 are controlled by cyclic AMP
What do the thyroid hormones do?
Regulate metabolic rate
What happens to the size of the thyroid gland when it is
a) hyperactive
b) underactive?
hyperactive - enlarged
underactive - atrophied
What is thyroiditis?
Inflammation of the thyroid gland
Which type of thyroiditis causes hypofunction?
Hashimoto’s
What kind of thyroiditis causes hyperfunction?
Graves disease
Hashimoto’s disease causes ___thyroidism.
hypothyroidism
Graves disease causes ___thyroidism.
Why?
hyperthyroidism
Disease stimulates thyroid gland
Autoimmune thyroiditis has a large ___ component.
genetic
What are some genes associated with autoimmune thyroiditis?
CTLA-4
PTPN-22
What state occurs as a result of excess thyroid hormone in hyperthyroidism?
Thyrotoxicosis
Apart from hyperthyroidism, what else can cause thyrotoxicosis?
Thyroiditis
Ectopic thyroid gland
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Graves disease