thyroid gland

a bilobed ENDOCRINE GLAND situated at the base and front of the neck. It is enclosed by fibrous tissue and well supplied with blood, and internally consists of numerous vesicles containing a jelly-like colloidal substance. These vesicles produce thyroid HORMONE , which is rich in iodine, under the control of thyroid-stimulating hormone ( THYROTROPHIN STIMULATING HORMONE ) released from the PITUITARY GLAND . Two hormones are produced by the gland, THYROXINE and triiodothyronine, which are essential for the regulation of METABOLISM and growth. See also CRETINISM , MYXOEDEMA and HYPERTHYROIDISM .