Endocrine Glands

Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

Retrosternal Thyroid

The normal position of the thyroid is at the front of the neck above the sternal notch. In retrosternal thyroid, a portion of the gland extends below the sternal notch.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland , a part of the endocrine (hormone ) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.