CHAPTER II 



THE THYROID 



This is the most frequently referred to of the 

 ductless glands, not necessarily because it is the 

 most important, but because much of the history 

 of the ductless glands centers around this one ; and 

 also because of the success that has attended the 

 treatment of at least one form of thyroid disease. 



The thyroid, which usually weighs anywhere be- 

 tween one and two ounces, is situated -in the neck. 

 It consists of two parts on either side of the larynx 

 (organ of voice) and windpipe, usually con- 

 nected by a narrow strip of tissue. In contact 

 with the thyroid are the "parathyroids," still 

 smaller bodies, which were for a long time not 

 sharply distinguished from the thyroid proper, and 

 which as a consequence gave rise to much confusion 

 in the interpretation of experimental results. 

 These parathyroids will receive treatment pres^ 

 ently. 



That the thyroid is an organ that plays an all- 

 important part in the various activities of the body 

 becomes apparent when for any reason it behaves 



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