The isthmus of the thyroid is located in the thyroid gland, which has the ability to control the production of hormones as well as the body’s metabolism. Understanding the function of this part helps you effectively prevent thyroid diseases. From there, early treatment and timely prevention of dangerous complications for overall health.

Location of the isthmus of the thyroid

The isthmus of the thyroid is a small part, located inside the thyroid gland. It is located right in front of the neck, at the back of the thyroid, above the trachea and below the larynx. This part is covered by an outer fibrous layer, created by the posterior fascia. In which, the posterior fascia is attached to the thyroid cartilage, creating a flexible structure, easily mobile when people breathe and swallow.

Function of the isthmus of the thyroid

The main function of the isthmus of the thyroid is to produce hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism. In addition, the isthmus of the thyroid gland also plays the following important roles:

Linking the thyroid lobes

The isthmus of the thyroid gland is located between the two thyroid lobes, and is considered the “factory” that produces and releases important thyroid hormones such as: Thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These are hormones that directly participate in the process of regulating energy and metabolism of the body.

The isthmus of the thyroid gland serves to connect the thyroid lobes on both sides.

Support for swallowing food

The human throat is very small, so when swallowing food, or even drinking water, the thyroid gland also needs to move to avoid choking. The flexible up and down movement of the thyroid gland is achieved thanks to the control process of the thyroid isthmus.

Hormone management

Any physiological change in the human body originates from hormonal changes. Therefore, for the body’s activities to take place normally, the thyroid gland will only produce and control hormones at a sufficient level.

Thyroid diseases

The thyroid isthmus plays an extremely important role, but is very sensitive. The reason is that it is located in the open throat area, so it is easily affected by harmful agents from the external environment. You need to be very vigilant about common diseases related to the thyroid isthmus and thyroid gland. These are:

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that results from a malfunction of the immune system, causing it to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. This phenomenon will cause hypothyroidism, causing the thyroid gland to lose function and not produce enough hormones. Most cases of thyroiditis are middle-aged women.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes the thyroid gland to enlarge significantly.

Basedow’s disease

Basedow is also an immune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, which is understood as excessive production of thyroid hormones. This is an extremely dangerous disease that, if not treated promptly, will directly affect the function of the nervous system, brain and body temperature.

Hyperthyroidism

People with hyperthyroidism often have a fairly large thyroid gland. Accordingly, the direct cause of this disease is a diet lacking in iodine. This disease occurs more often in women and people over 40 years old.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by many causes. One of the most common causes is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Thyroid nodules

Under the abnormal development of thyroid tissue, thyroid nodules will appear in this location. In fact, there is still a small percentage of goiter that progresses into thyroid cancer cells. The disease has no specific symptoms so the patient can only recognize it when feeling a swollen neck and choking.

Thyroid isthmus nodules can be detected by ultrasound.

How to diagnose thyroid diseases

Diagnosis is the first step in the treatment of thyroid diseases. It determines the correct treatment method. Specifically:

Thyroid ultrasound

The mechanism of this method is to use high-frequency ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the thyroid gland. From there, it allows the doctor to determine the size, location and properties of the thyroid nodule.

Thyroid function test

The main purpose of the test is to measure the concentration of hormones T3, T4, FT3, FT4, and TSH to assess the activity of the thyroid gland. At the same time, the doctor also uses iodine to check the absorption capacity of this organ.

Thyroid scintigraphy

With this method, the doctor will use radioactive iodine to monitor the process of the thyroid gland absorbing iodine. From there, it can detect any abnormalities in the structure of the thyroid gland and thyroid nodules. If a malignant tumor is suspected, the doctor will order a biopsy and microscopic analysis.

Thyroid scintigraphy is a diagnostic method using radioactive iodine.

Hopefully through this article, you have clearly understood the function, location as well as diseases of the thyroid isthmus and thyroid gland. Maintain a balanced diet, supplement enough iodine and build a healthy lifestyle to protect the health of the thyroid isthmus!