This gland is located in the front part of the lower neck and is shaped
like a butterfly. It produces the hormone Thyroxine and triiodothyronine,
which controls the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to produce
energy. This phrase is called metabolism and deals with body temperature and weight. Iodine is found in the thyroid hormones which
the thyroid needs to make the hormones.

If there is a lack of iodine in the diet, the thyroid cannot make the
hormones. Hormones produced by the thyroid also aid in the
development of the brain and nervous system in children.

The release of these hormones is controlled by thyrotopin, secreted by
the pituitary gland. Attached to the pituitary are four small glands,
called the parathyroid’s which release the parathyroid hormone that
regulates the levels of calcium in the blood.