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Hypothyroidism Glossary

© Deanna Couras Goodson

This glossary is a list of terms with definitions which have appeared in my articles, with a few related ones thrown in. The terms are sorted by relation to each other, with one term relating to the next. (At least, I hope that's how it works out!)

I promise to update this list periodically. I'm open to suggestions for new terms as well. You can email those to me at panndyra@suite101.com.

thyroid: a bow-tie or butterfly-shaped gland, located in the lower front part of the neck, near the windpipe (trachea) that secretes hormones which aid the body in the process of metabolism. The thyroid is an important part of the endocrine system.

gland: a group of cells that work together to make a substance, usually referred to as a hormone, that other parts of the body use to function.

hormone: chemicals released by one special group of cells such as a gland, which tell other cells what to do.

metabolism: the scientific process by which the body takes oxygen and cells and uses them for energy.

endocrine system: is comprised of internal glands and organs which secrete hormones to be used by the body to complete a variety of metabolic functions.

iodine: a trace mineral found in food that, when combined with the amino acid l-tyrosine, creates thyroid hormones.

T3 & T4: abbreviations for triiodothyronine and thyroxine. They are thyroid hormones which help to regulate metabolism and cell oxidation. The "3" and the "4" stand for the number of iodine molecules needed to create the hormones.

mono-deiodination: (aka T4 to T3 conversion) the process carried out in the thyroid and hypothalamus in which one iodine molecule is removed from thyroxine (T4) to create T3 (triiodothyronine).

pituitary gland: a small, but vital endocrine gland located in the base of the brain, beneath the hypothalamus. It is often called the "master" gland because it controls hormonal activities related to metabolism, growth and reproduction. This, of course, includes the secretion of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

TSH, or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: This hormone is also known as thyrotropin because it is produced by thyrotropes in the front part (anterior) of the pituitary gland to regulate the function of the thyroid gland.

Thyrotropes: cells located in the pituitary gland which produces TSH.

Hypothalamus: part of the brain above the pituitary gland which connects the endocrine system to the nervous system by releasing hormones. This part of the brain controls thirst, hunger and body temperature. It also releases TRH, or Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone.

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