5 Interesting Facts About the Thyroid
Have you ever heard of the thyroid? This brownish-red gland is in your neck and is about the same size as two nickels. Even though it’s small, it’s a super important gland. It’s a major part of your endocrine system. Keep reading to learn fun facts about your thyroid!
Fun facts about the thyroid
Your thyroid gland is especially important as a kid because it helps you grow and develop.
But even for adults, the thyroid gland is a big deal, too!
When your thyroid does its job, it helps your body turn food into energy for your body.
Fact #1: The thyroid is shaped like a bowtie
Can you spot the similarity? The thyroid gland has a bowtie-like shape.
It’s also located in a similar place at the front of the neck, just under your voice box. Pretty cool, right?
Some people think the thyroid gland looks like butterfly wings. To others, the thyroid gland resembles the letter “H”.
What does the thyroid gland look like to you?
Fact #2: It’s like a mini factory
The thyroid gland is like a special factory! The cells inside your thyroid make chemicals called hormones.
Thyroid hormones act like messengers that tell your body how to use energy from food. They help your body burn energy so you can grow big and strong.
Here are some more fun facts about thyroid hormones:
- They make your heartbeat speed up.
- They make you breathe faster and take in more oxygen
- They activate bone growth in kids.
Fact #3: It needs a special ingredient called iodine
Iodine is a mineral found in seaweed. It’s also in other foods like fish, milk, and eggs.
When you eat food containing iodine, your body absorbs it and sends it to your thyroid gland.
Then, your thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones.
Fact #4: It affects how you feel
The hormones from your thyroid gland can affect your emotions and energy level.
These thyroid facts are not so fun:
- You could feel jittery and anxious if your thyroid gland makes too much hormone.
- You could feel sad and sluggish if your thyroid gland does not make enough hormones.
Fact #5: You can live without your thyroid
It’s true: life can go on without a thyroid.
Sometimes, the thyroid gland can get sick. When that happens, it doesn’t work properly.
- If it doesn’t make enough hormones, you might feel tired and have trouble growing. Your skin might feel dry, cold, and rough.
- If the thyroid makes too many hormones, you might feel hyper and have trouble falling asleep.
But try not to worry. If there’s a problem with the thyroid, doctors can fix it with medicine or surgery. So, listening to your body and seeing your doctor if you feel sick is important.
Thyroid gland pictures and anatomy diagrams
More fun facts about the thyroid and other endocrine organs
Published on March 15, 2022. Updated on January 23, 2024 by Betty Choi, MD
Published on March 15, 2022. Updated on January 23, 2024 by Betty Choi, MD
Betty Choi, MD
Dr. Betty Choi is a Harvard-trained pediatrician who makes learning fun and doable. She created the kids’ anatomy book Human Body Learning Lab, which Science Magazine recommended as a “notable standout in the genre.”