The thyroid gland Flashcards
Describe the appearance of the thyroid gland
butterfly - heavy (15-20g) - lies across trachea at base of larynx
not palpable or visible in health
What are the 2 physiologically active hormones which the thyroid gland secretes?
T3 and T4(thyroxine)
What are the 2 types of cells found in the thyroid gland?
follilcular cells
clear cells
What do clear cells secrete?
calcitonin
What do follicular cells do?
support thyroid hormone synthesis
surround hollow follicles
What is the middle of the follicle filled with?
colloid
What does the colloid contain?
sticky glycoprotein matrix containing 2-3 month supply of TH
What do follicular cells make?
enzymes
thyroglobulin
What do follicular cells do in terms of thyroid hormone (and iodide)
concentrate iodide from the plasma and transport it into the colloid where it combines with tyrosine residues to form thyroid hormone
Describe the thyroglobulin molecule?
Large protein residues rich in tyrosine residues
Where do you get tyrosine and iodide from?
the diet
What differentiates T3 and T4?
T3 has 3 iodide ions from the 2 tyrosine molecules
What enzyme catalyses the reaction to form thyroid hormone and where is it found?
thyroid peroxidase
apical membrane of follicular cells
How does iodide enter the follicular cells from the plasma?
Na+/I- transporter –> symport
What is the advantage of coupling iodide to sodium for transport?
Can uptake against the concentration gradient
How is iodide transported from the follicular cells to the colloid?
pendrin transporter
What inhibits iodide transport into follicular cells and where is this found in daily life?
thiocyanates
cigarette smoke