THYROID GLAND -

• It develops from the endoderm of the embryo.
• The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland located anterior to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx in the neck.
• It is bilobed organ. The two lobes are connected by a narrow structure called isthmus.
• The microscopic structure of the thyroid gland shows thyroid follicles composed of cubical epithelium and filled with a hormonous material called colloid.
• Small amount of loose connective tissue forms stroma of the gland. Besides containing blood capillaries, the stroma contains small clusters of specialized parafollicular cells or 'c' cells.
• The thyroid gland can store enough hormones in the form of colloid to supply the body (for about two months).