Disorders of Thyroid Glands

• Hyperthyroid

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Graves disease
• Hyperthyroidism


  High metabolic rate, sensitivity to heat, restlessness, hyperactivity, weight loss, protruding eyes, goiter
• Graves disease


  Autoantibodies (against self) bind TSH receptors on thyroid cell membranes, mimicking action of TSH, overstimulating gland (hyperthyroidism); exopthalmia (protrusion of the eyes and goiter)
• Hashimoto disease


  Autoantibodies (against self) attack thyroid cells, resulting in hypothyroidism
• Hypothyroidism (infantile)


  1. Cretinism-stunted growth

  2. Abnormal bone formation

  3. Mental retardation

  4. Low body temperature

  5. Sluggishness
• Hypothyroidism (adult)


  1. Myxedema-low metabolic rate

  2. Sensitivity to cold

  3. Sluggishness

  4. Poor appetite

  5. Swollen tissues

  6. Mental dullness
• Simple goiter


  Deficiency of thyroid hormones due to iodine deficiency; because no thyroid hormones inhibit pituitary release of TSH, thyroid is overstimulated and enlarges but functions below normal (hypothyroidism)