Chances are rather good you've heard the news that you have a thyroid -- but chances are also pretty decent you're not completely up to speed on exactly why you have one.
The human body operates like a complex factory, and like any factory, there's lots of assembly lines, machines and moving parts, not to mention all the workers going about their business.
The thyroid plays an important role in all this activity; it has something of a managerial position. Without the thyroid bossing everybody around, lots of work around the plant wouldn't get done -- or at least wouldn't be up to quality standards. Don't go thinking the thyroid is the top dog, however. It gets its marching orders from the pituitary gland, which in turn answers to the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. But instead of memos to conduct all this communication, the body uses hormones.
It usually weighs in at less than an ounce, but it sure can pack a punch when it comes to your health. Want to find out if your thyroid's doing all right in the ring? Go to the next page to learn the basic operations of this glorious gland.
