Thyroid-What Is It & What Does It Do?

The thyroid controls how sensitive the body is to hormones along with how rapidly it can make proteins and also burn energy.  

 It is on the same approximate level as the cricoid cartilage. 

The pituitary and hypothalamus control the thyroid.

The most common problems are hyperthyroidism which is an overactive thyroid and hypothyroidism which is an underactive thyroid.

The name thyroid comes from the Greek word for "shield" related to the thyroid cartilage shape.