What is a Thyroid?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of your neck responsible for many aspects of how your body functions.

Your thyroid comprises an isthmus, the middle part of your thyroid, and two lobes, with each lobe sitting on either side of the isthmus.

What is a gland?

A gland is an organ in your body that makes hormones, sweat, saliva, tears, milk, and digestive juices. Your body has two types of glands- exocrine and endocrine glands.

Endocrine glands, like your thyroid, secrete hormones into your blood. The other endocrine glands in your body include the pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, pineal gland, ovaries, and testes.

Where is your thyroid located?

Your thyroid is located at the front of your neck, along the front of your trachea, above your collarbone, and below your larynx. In males, the thyroid can be found directly below the Adam’s apple.