Follicular cells, also known as thyroid follicular cells or thyroid epithelial cells, are the predominant cell type found in the thyroid gland. These cells form the functional units of the thyroid, known as thyroid follicles, and are responsible for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones.
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Follicular cells are the most abundant cell type in the thyroid gland, making up approximately 80% of the gland's volume.
These cells are responsible for the synthesis, storage, and secretion of thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
Follicular cells contain specialized organelles called thyroid follicles, which are the functional units of the thyroid gland.
The follicular cells actively transport iodide into the thyroid follicles, where it is used as a substrate for the production of thyroid hormones.
Regulation of follicular cell function is primarily controlled by the pituitary gland's secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the production and release of thyroid hormones.
Review Questions
Explain the role of follicular cells in the production and secretion of thyroid hormones.
Follicular cells are the primary cell type responsible for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These cells actively transport iodide into the thyroid follicles, where they use it as a substrate to synthesize thyroid hormones. The follicular cells then store the hormones in the follicular lumen and release them into the bloodstream as needed to regulate various metabolic processes in the body.
Describe the structure and organization of thyroid follicles and how they relate to the function of follicular cells.
Thyroid follicles are the functional units of the thyroid gland, consisting of a central lumen surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells. These follicular cells form the walls of the follicles and are responsible for the production, storage, and secretion of thyroid hormones. The organization of the thyroid follicles, with the follicular cells lining the lumen, allows for the efficient synthesis, storage, and release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various metabolic processes in the body.
Analyze the role of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the regulation of follicular cell function and thyroid hormone production.
The pituitary gland's secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the primary regulator of follicular cell function and thyroid hormone production. TSH binds to receptors on the surface of follicular cells, triggering a signaling cascade that stimulates the cells to actively transport iodide into the thyroid follicles, synthesize thyroid hormones, and release them into the bloodstream. This feedback loop between the pituitary gland, TSH, and the follicular cells ensures the proper regulation of thyroid hormone levels to maintain homeostasis and support various metabolic processes in the body.
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
Thyroid Follicles: Thyroid follicles are the functional units of the thyroid gland, consisting of a central lumen surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells.
Thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are produced by the follicular cells and play a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes in the body.