Endocrine System

... Fiona White Physiology & Anatomy Endocrine System What is Goitre? Goitre is a term applied to a swelling in the front of the neck resulting in the enlargement of the thyroid gland. The size of the swelling can vary and in extreme cases the swelling can be very prominent and cause discomfort from its pressure on the windpipe and other important parts of the neck. What causes Goitre? Goitre is caused by the over production of thyroxine (hyperthyroidism) which leads to a condition known as exophthalmic goitre. It is called this due to the large swelling in the throat and because the eyeballs protrude. Sufferers with hyperthyroidism will generally have an increased metabolic rate, the heart beats faster and together with a general restlessness both physically and mentally, and they will have dramatic weight loss and almost always develop Goitre. Thyroid deficiency is either due to an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or poor diet resulting

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