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Histology of thyroid gland

This document summarizes the histological structure of the thyroid gland. It notes that the thyroid gland consists of two lobes and an isthmus, and its structural unit is the follicle. Each follicle contains a layer of epithelial cells surrounding a follicular cavity filled with colloid. The epithelial cells are cuboidal and can change shape depending on the gland's activity level. Additionally, parafollicular cells in the interfollicular spaces secrete thyrocalcitonin. The colloid within the follicular cavity is a gel-like secretion composed of nucleoproteins and enzymes used to synthesize thyroid hormones.

Education◦
Histological study of Thyroid gland - Asst Prof Chetana .S.Kanekar M.Sc Zoology( SET Life sciences)
Introduction  Thyroid consist of two lateral lobes and the connecting part called isthmus.  Largest gland in body.  Endodermal in origin.  Gland secretes thyroid hormones called thyroxine.
Position of Thyroid gland
Microscopic structure  Structural unit is follicle or acinus.  Follicle consist of layer of simple epithelium, enclosing cavity called the follicular cavity.  The cavity is usually filled with gel-like viscous iodine-rich material called colloid.  Interfollicular spaces are filled by reticular connnective tissue, adipose tissue and blood vessels.
Follicular cells  These are cuboidal epithelial cells with their basal ends resting on basement membrane.  These cells show the changes in shape depending on state of gland.  When gland is inactive, cells exhibit squamous structure and columnar when hyperactive.  The follicular cells show central or basal round nucleus with one or more excentric nuclei.  The apical tips of cells extend microvilli in the cavity.
Parafollicular cells  In Interfollicular spaces spaces there are some special parafollicular cells.  They found in singly or in groups.  They secrete hormone thyrocalcitonin, which lowers the calcium level.
Colloid  Cavity of thyroid follicle is filled with semi-fluid or gel like substance, called thyroid colloid.  It is the endocrine secretion of epithelial cells and composed of nucleoproteins, thyroglubolin and proteolytic enzymes.  Among the endocrine glands, thyroid is unique because it utilizes an inorganic element iodine for the synthesis of its hormones.
Thyroid gland malfunctioning  Hypothyroidism  Cretinism.  Myxedema  Hyperthroidism  Grave’s Disease
Distinguishing features of thyroid  Follicle is structural unit.  Follicle contains follicular epithelial cells and parafollicular cells.  Follicle shows follicular cavity in which contains gel-like colloid.  Inter-follicular spaces are filled by reticular connective tissue and blood vessels.
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