DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL

KUKATPALLY, HYDERABAD-500072

BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

2023-24

Submitted by:
P. Sagar Samarjeet
 XI-A

CERTIFICATE
It is hereby to certify that, the original
and genuine investigation work has
been carried out to investigate about the
subject matter and the related data
collection and investigation has been
completed solely, sincerely and
satisfactorily by Sagar Samarjeet Parida
of CLASS XII , DAV Public School,
Kukatpally , regarding his project titled
“Hypothyroidism”
Acknowledgement
Index
 INTRODUCTION
What is Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland is a ductless endocrine
gland situated in the anterior/front portion of
the neck. It roughly resembles the shape of
a butterfly. It is also one of the largest
endocrine glands, weighing an average of
25 – 30 g. This gland has two lobes on
either side of the trachea, with each lobe
measuring 4 – 6 cm in length and 1.3 – 1.8
cm in width.

What does the Thyroid Gland do ?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic
rate, growth and development. It plays a role in controlling heart, muscle
and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Its
correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the
diet. Cells producing thyroid hormones are very specialised in extracting
and absorbing iodine from the blood and incorporating it into the thyroid
hormones.

Who tells the Thyroid to produce and release

Hormones ?
The signal comes from a small gland located at the bottom of our brain
called the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces and sends out a
hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then tells the
thyroid gland how much hormone to produce and secrete. TSH levels in
your blood are rising and falling depending on your body’s needs, to
produce more or less thyroid hormones.
The pituitary gland responds either directly to the thyroid hormones in
the blood, but it also responds to signals from the hypothalamus, which
sits above the pituitary gland as part of your brain.
The hypothalamus releases its own hormone thyrotropin-releasing
hormone (TRH). TRH in turn stimulates the release of TSH in the
pituitary, which then signals to the thyroid gland.
This whole network is also referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-
thyroid axis (HPT)
Which hormones are produced by the Thyroid
Gland ?
The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (referred to as T4), and the highly
active hormone called triiodothyronine (referred to as T3). Collectively,T3
and T4 are referred to as the Thyroid hormones
In addition, there are other hormone-producing cells within the thyroid
gland called C-cells. These cells produce calcitonin. Calcitonin plays a
role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which is
important for your maintain healthy bones.

What could go wrong with the Thyroid Gland ?

There are several disorders associated with the thyroid gland with most
problems concerning the production of thyroid hormones. Either the
thyroid gland produces too much hormone (called hyperthyroidism),
resulting in your body using energy more quickly than it should; or your
thyroid doesn't produce enough hormone (called hypothyroidism),
resulting in your body using energy more slowly than it should. Rarely
cancer of the thyroid gland may develop.