Thyroid follicular cell

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Thyroid follicular cell
Details
Precursor	Endoderm
System	Endocrine system
Location	Thyroid gland
Function	Production of thyroid hormones
Identifiers
Latin	cellula follicularis glandulae thyroideae
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

Thyroid follicular cells, also known as thyrocytes, are the primary cell type found in the thyroid gland. These cells are responsible for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Structure

Thyroid follicular cells are arranged in spherical clusters known as thyroid follicles. Each follicle is filled with a colloid substance primarily composed of thyroglobulin, a precursor to thyroid hormones. The cells themselves are cuboidal to columnar in shape and have a central nucleus.

Function

The primary function of thyroid follicular cells is the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development.

Hormone Synthesis

The process of thyroid hormone synthesis involves several steps:

1. Uptake of iodide from the bloodstream.
2. Oxidation of iodide to iodine.
3. Iodination of thyroglobulin to form monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and diiodotyrosine (DIT).
4. Coupling of MIT and DIT to form T3 and T4.
5. Release of T3 and T4 into the bloodstream.

Regulation

The activity of thyroid follicular cells is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. TSH binds to receptors on the surface of follicular cells, stimulating the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of thyroid follicular cells can lead to various thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism occurs when there is insufficient production of thyroid hormones, while hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive hormone production. Thyroid cancer can also originate from follicular cells, with follicular thyroid carcinoma being one of the types.

See also

• Thyroid gland
• Thyroid hormone
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Follicular thyroid carcinoma