Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the anterior neck, below the larynx. It produces thyroid hormones (thyroxine/T4 and triiodothyronine/T3), which are critical for regulating the body's metabolic rate, growth, development, and temperature. It also produces calcitonin, which helps regulate blood calcium levels. Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones.