Research
One of the most important pertaining to the endocrine system is the thyroid gland. With a weight of roughly 25g, the thyroid gland is the biggest adult gland focused solely on endocrine activity (Saladin et al., 2021). The thyroid consists of sacs termed thyroid follicles on a histological level (Saladin et al., 2021). Each is bordered by a simple cuboidal epithelium of follicular cells and filled with a protein-rich colloid (Saladin et al., 2021). Thyroid hormone (TH) is secreted by these cells every day by 80 micrograms (Saladin et al., 2021). This norm is essential in the development of the human organism.
In the discussion of the disorders commonly associated with the thyroid gland, it is possible to distinguish congenital hypothyroidism and myxedema. The first condition is manifested since birth and is characterized by the low secretion of thyroid hormone (thyroxine/T3 and triiodothyronine /T4) (Saladin et al., 2021). In reaction to changes in metabolic rate, TH is released or suppressed. It increases hunger and speeds up the digestion of carbs, lipids, and protein in the body for energy (Saladin et al., 2021). Thyroid hormone also stimulates alertness and faster reflexes, as well as growth hormone release, bone, skin, hair, nail, and tooth growth, and fetal nervous system development (Saladin et al., 2021). As a result of hypothyroidism, an infant’s physical development may be impeded.
Myxedema is the disorder that is closely associated with hypothyroidism. It is caused by severe or long-term adult hypothyroidism (Saladin et al., 2021). The disorder is characterized by “low metabolic rate, sluggishness, and sleepiness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and hair, abnormal sensitivity to cold, and tissue swelling” (Saladin et al., 2021, p. 648). The severity of these disorders projects the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of radiation treatment.
These disorders could be caused by various factors that affect the patient. Most commonly, both conditions occur from autoimmune diseases (ex. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), radiotherapy, and surgical removal of the gland (American, n.d.). Notably, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that COVID-19 may target the thyroid gland (Scappaticcio et al., 2020). The severity of coronavirus infection may predetermine the implicated alterations of the gland (Scappaticcio et al., 2020). For example, the occurrence of destructive thyrotoxicosis, which is connected to neck pain, typically follows during or soon after a mild case of the coronavirus (Scappaticcio et al., 2020). Therefore, there is a need for an in-depth investigation of the COVID-19 effect on the thyroid.
Critical Thinking
The effect of radiation exposure is known to have devastating effects on the health of every living organism. Even though the utilization of radiotherapy has proven to be decently effective in the treatment of cancer, it is possible to develop various disorders associated with the alteration in the functionality of organs. One of such alterations is hypothyroidism which indicates the need for the patient’s comprehension of the risks associated with the therapy.
In order to memorize the information provided above, it is possible to use a mind castle as a mnemonic device. Mind castle is a technique that requires practitioners to imagine a detailed building, preferably a place where they easily recall the décor. Each piece of furniture or decoration is then assigned the information desired for memorization. It is possible to dedicate one of the rooms to the endocrine system, and larger furniture may represent an affiliated organ. In this case, the thyroid, while a smaller object within or on top of it, may represent its structure and core functions.
The research on the effect of COVID-19 on the thyroid is essential for community health. It expands on the dangers of the virus because the information provided details how dangerous is the impact of the virus on the human body and what alterations may occur from the infection. This may raise community awareness and encourage people to follow contingency measures more willingly. Consequently, it may raise the effectiveness of the anti-covid measures globally.
References
American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). Hypothyroidism. Thyroid. Web.
Saladin, K. S., Gan, C. A., & Cushman, H. N. (2021). Anatomy & Physiology: The unity of form and function (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Scappaticcio, L., Pitoia, F., Esposito, K., Piccardo, A., & Trimboli, P. (2020). Impact of covid-19 on the thyroid gland: An update. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 22(4), 803-815.