The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies in front of the
windpipe (trachea), just below the voice box (larynx). The thyroid gland uses
iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland stores these hormones and releases
them as they are needed.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
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E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology |
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Last Revised
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July 27, 2011 |