Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies in front of the windpipe (trachea), just below the voice box (larynx). The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland stores these hormones and releases them as they are needed.

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Medical review

E. Gregory Thompson MDKathleen Romito MDMatthew I. Kim MD

Last Updated

12/19/2018

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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Thyroid Gland

Thyroid gland and its location in the body

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies in front of the windpipe (trachea), just below the voice box (larynx). The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland stores these hormones and releases them as they are needed.

Current as ofDecember 19, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Matthew I. Kim, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Share this article

Article Info

Author

Medical review

E. Gregory Thompson MDKathleen Romito MDMatthew I. Kim MD

Last Updated

12/19/2018

Legal

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.