What Are the Functions of the Thyroid Gland?
Although very small, the thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism and calcium balance. The T4 and T3 hormones stimulate every tissue in the body to produce proteins and increase the amount of oxygen used by cells. The harder the cells work, the harder the organs work. The calcitonin hormone works together with the parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels in the body. The amount of hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is controlled by the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland. The amount of TSH produced is in turn controlled by the hypothalamus (a tiny cluster of brain cells that sits just above the pituitary gland and transmits messages to the brain). What Are Common Diseases of the Thyroid Gland? Hypothyroidism is a common disorder seen in dogs. The thyroid becomes underactive and produces insufficient amounts of T4. Weight gain, sluggishness, poor hair coat, and other signs of decreased metabolis…
