Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the larynx. It produces and secretes hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body.
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. They play a critical role in regulating metabolism, which is the process by which the body converts food into energy.
Thyroid hormones increase the rate at which cells use oxygen and nutrients, which helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and the rate at which the body burns calories. They also play a role in growth and development, particularly in the development of the nervous system and skeletal system in infants and children.
The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release T4 and T3 into the bloodstream. The production and release of thyroid hormones are regulated by a negative feedback mechanism, which means that when thyroid hormone levels are high, TSH production is inhibited, and when thyroid hormone levels are low, TSH production is stimulated.
Conditions
- Metabolism
Single Oils: Lavender, melissa, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, thyme
- Thyroid Imbalance
Single Oils: Clove
- Thyroid Tonic
Single Oils: Black Spruce, Sylvester Pine