The thyroid plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism and calcium balance; thus, the reason

why it is wanted. Without the thyroid gland, the amount of oxygen used by cells would not increase. Also, the body would be without the special hormones the thyroid produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Thyroid hormones are required for normal growth and development, and are essential to nervous system maturation. Another hormone, the calcitonin hormone, works together with the parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels in the body. Diseases most affecting the thyroid are Hypothyroidism a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone and Goitre an enlargement of the thyroid gland. One is capable of living without a thyroid gland, but will not survive long without the hormones it produces.