# What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is called the thyroid gland. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland with two lobes joined by a narrow isthmus.

## What it means

- A butterfly-shaped endocrine gland with two lobes joined by a narrow isthmus.
- Produces thyroid hormones and calcitonin.
- Its hormones regulate the body's metabolic rate.

## Action steps

1. In the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
2. Wraps around the upper part of the trachea.
3. The isthmus lies in front of the second to fourth tracheal rings.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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