Random Fact of the Day: Thyroid

[SagaLore]

http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works

The thyroid is situated just below your "Adams apple" or larynx. During development (inside the womb) the thyroid gland originates in the back of the tongue, but it normally migrates to the front of the neck before birth.

The thyroid gland is under the control of the pituitary gland,
...
The pituitary gland itself is regulated by another gland, known as the hypothalamus

Hypothalamus -> (TRH) -> { Pituitary -> (Thyrotropin:TSH) -> {{ (Iodine+Tyrosine) -> Thyroid -> (Thryoxine:T4, Triiodothyronine:T3) [controls cellular metabolism] }} }

 

[lOl_lol_lOl]

This is why some born with incomplete migration of the thyroid have a thyroglossal duct from their tongue to the gland.

The gland was named after 'thyrea', greek (i think) for shield.

Wait till u check out the adrenal glands...they will blow your mind.

 

[MichaelD]

Bump for adrenal glands. Oh stop whining! Why not randomly bump this thread?

 

[bradley]

If the human body were a machine or computer, the thyroid would be the voltage regulator... also the kidney = battery, the adrenals = capacitor, the liver = oil or gas filter, the pancreas = gas tank etc.

 

[Saint Nick]

How is the pancreas a gas tank? Wut?

 

[MichaelD]

Ah, now we're back on track.
/lawnchair
/popcorn

 

[Zeze]

If the human body were a machine or computer, the thyroid would be the voltage regulator... also the kidney = battery, the adrenals = capacitor, the liver = oil or gas filter, the pancreas = gas tank etc.

Kidney = battery?

More like an exhaust filter.

 

[destrekor]

How is the pancreas a gas tank? Wut?

I can see how one might arrive at the idea of it being a gas tank, but I agree that there is a more apt analogy yet it escapes my imagination at the moment.

Considering it's role in both the digestion of energy sources, and the regulation of blood-sugar (fuel).
However, I'd say the Liver is more like the gas tank (along with other functions), considering the liver is where glucose is stored (glycogen)... and the pancreas is more like a regular of some sort. One part fuel injector.... and?

 

[destrekor]

Ah, now we're back on track.
/lawnchair
/popcorn

:biggrin:

 

[bradley]

How is the pancreas a gas tank? Wut?

Don't you have access to Wiki or Google? One important pancreatic function is converting food to fuel, which is stored to be eventually released to our cells. Obviously human organs serve a multiplicity of complex functions.

At least I attempted to make this day's old thread somewhat interesting.

 

[bradley]

Kidney = battery?

More like an exhaust filter.

An important kidney function is to regulate the delicate electrolytic balance of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, similar to the elements of a battery. Perhaps the nephrons are a distiller or purifier.