Thyroid Definitions
Refers to a normal functioning thyroid gland.
Euthyroid
Occurs as a solitary mass within the thyroid gland.
Follicular Carcinoma
Any enlargement of the thyroid, focal or diffuse, regardless of cause.
Goiter
Autoimmune disorder characterized by a diffuse toxic goiter, exopthalmos, and cutaneous manifestations.
Grave's Disease
Chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by the formation of antibodies against normal thyroid tissue.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Disorder associated with elevated serum calcium level, usually caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma.
Hyperparathyroidism
Overactive thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism
Underactive thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism
Small piece of thyroid tissue that connects the lower lobes of the gland.
Isthmus
Any disorder characterized by enlargement of the lymoh nodes or lymph vessels.
Lymphadenopathy
Nodular enlargement of the thyroid associated with hyperthyroidism.
Multinodular Goiter
Degenerative nodules within the thyroid.
Nodular Hyperplasia
Most common form of thyroid malignancy.
Papillary Carcinoma
Tumor of glandular tissue; benign thyroid neoplasm characterized by complete encapsulation.
Adenoma
Rare, undifferentiated carcinoma occurring in middle age.
Anaplastic Carcinoma
Remnant of embryonic development that appears as a cyst in the neck.
Brachial Cleft Cyst
A thyroid hormone that is important for maintaining a dense, strong bone matrix and regulating the blood calcium level.
Calcitonin
Wedge shaped muscle posterior to the thyroid lobes.
Longus Colli Muscle
Neoplastic growth that accounts for 10% of thyroid malignancies.
Medullary Carcinoma
Hormone that is secreted by parathyroid glands, which regulats serum calcium levels.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Enlargement of multiple parathyroid glands.
Parathyroid Hyperplasia
Oversecretion of parathyroid hormone, usually from a parathyroid adenoma.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Lobe of thyroid gland that is present in a small percentage of patients; extends superiorly from the isthmus.
Pyramidal Lobe
Enlargement of the parathyroid glands in patients with renal failure or vitamin D deficiency.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Lab value that is elevated with hyperparathyroidism.
Serum Calcium
Large muscles anterolateral to the thyroid.
Sternocleidomastoid Muscles
Groups of 3 muscles (sternothyroid, sternohyoid, & omohyoid) that lie anterior to the thyroid.
Strap Muscles
Inflammatory condition of the thyroid, sometimes occurring after a viral respiratory infection.
Subacute (de Quervain's) Thyroiditis
Congenital anomaly that presents in the midline of the neck anterior to the trachea.
Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine & triiodothyronine.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormome (TSH)
