L2.6.2: Thyroid Gland

• Goiters


  ■ Enlargement of the thyroid gland

  ■ Caused by iodine-deficient diet
• Cretinism


  ■ Result of lack of stimulation by TSH in early childhood

  ■ Progresses into dwarfism

  ■ When untreated, they become intellectually impaired

  ■ Hair is scanty, and skin is dry
• Myxedema


  ■ Result of hypothyroidism occurring in adults

  ■ Physical and mental sluggishness

  ■ Mental impairment DOES NOT occur

  ■ Other signs: puffiness of the face, fatigue, poor muscle tone, low body temperature, obesity, and dry skin

  ■ Treated by oral thyroxine
• Grave’s Disease


  ■ One form of hypothyroidism

  ■ High basal metabolic rate, intolerance of heat, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, nervous and agitated behavior, general inability to relax, enlarged thyroid gland, and possibly exophthalmos
• Exophthalmos


  ■ A symptom of grave’s disease where the eyes may bulge or protrude anteriorly