Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.

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Goiter Anatomy

To better understand endemic goiter, it helps to understand the anatomy of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, next to the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormone stimulates cells throughout the body to become active.

Inflammation or over-activity of the thyroid gland can cause swelling of the thyroid gland, called a goiter.

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2009 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Goiter References
  1. Aydin K, Kendirci M, Kurtoglu S, Karakucuk EI, Kiris A. Iodine and selenium deficiency in school-children in an endemic goiter area in Turkey. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Jul-Aug;15(7):1027-31. [12199330]
  2. Castaneda R, Lechuga D, Ramos RI, Magos C, Orozco M, Martinez H. Endemic goiter in pregnant women: utility of the simplified classification of thyroid size by palpation and urinary iodine as screening tests. BJOG. 2002 Dec;109(12):1366-72. [12504972]
  3. Elnour A, Hambraeus L, Eltom M, Dramaix M, Bourdoux P. Endemic goiter with iodine sufficiency: a possible role for the consumption of pearl millet in the etiology of endemic goiter. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan;71(1):59-66. [10617947]
  4. Zhao J, Wang P, Shang L, Sullivan KM, van der Haar F, Maberly G. Endemic goiter associated with high iodine intake. Am J Public Health. 2000 Oct;90(10):1633-5. [11030003]
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