Histology-World!

 

 

 

 

Histology Fact Sheet: Thyroid

Anatomy of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It lies just below the larynx.  A thin capsule surrounds the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is made of two lobes. The two lobes of the thyroid are connected by the isthmus.  The thyroid gland is a very vascular gland. 

Top of Page

Histology of the Thyroid Gland

Upon examining the histology, it can be seen that the thyroid gland is composed of follicles.

Follicles are lined by a single layer of epithelial cells.  They are filled with an amorphous colloidal material.

There are two cell types in the thyroid gland: follicular cells and parafollicular cells. Follicular cells release and store thyroid hormone. Parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland are also called C cells. The parafollicular cells secrete calcitonin.

Histology slide of thyroid
Histology slide courtesy of Education Interactive Histology Photo CD

Top of Page

Hormones of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and calcitonin.

Top of Page

Sources:

Histology: A Text and Atlas
Michael H. Ross/Edward J. Reith