Thyroid follicles are the hollow spheres that make up the thyroid gland, each lined by a single layer of follicular cells around a store of protein-rich colloid. There are millions in each gland.
| Location | Throughout the thyroid gland lobes and isthmus |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Cervical sympathetic ganglia (vasomotor) |
| Blood Supply | Superior thyroid artery; Inferior thyroid artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Take up iodine, store thyroid hormone precursor in the colloid and release T4 and T3 under the control of TSH.
Follicle activity rises in Graves disease and falls in Hashimoto thyroiditis. Radioactive iodine is taken up by the follicular cells, allowing both scanning and treatment. Most thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular) arise from follicular cells.
Low thyroid hormone output causing tiredness, weight gain, cold intolerance and slowed heart rate.
The commonest thyroid cancer, arising from follicular cells, usually with a very good outlook.
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