MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedonyuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 3. ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BODY FUNCTION SELF-REGULATION

ENDOCRINE GLANDS AND THEIR PATHOLOGY

THYROID GLAND

2. THYROID DISEASES

2.1. DIFFUSE TOXIC GOITER

Diffuse toxic goiter (Basedow's or Graves' disease) is a condition characterized by hyperfunction, hyperplasia, and Hypertrophy of the Thyroid Gland. Alterations in other Organs and Tissues are caused by the excessive effects of THYROID Hormones.

The disease presents with a classic symptom complex: enlargement of The Thyroid Gland, exophthalmos (bulging eyes), elevated basal metabolic rate, increased heat production, tachycardia, fine tremor of the fingers, and heightened mental irritability. These and many other pathological manifestations are driven by the Toxic effects of thyroxine and triiodothyronine produced in excessive quantities.

Currently, diffuse toxic goiter is considered a genetic autoimmune disease. Its onset is frequently triggered by severe emotional stress.

The altered gland consists of hyperplastic follicles rich in liquid colloid (Fig. 3.71). The cuboidal epithelium transforms into columnar and actively proliferates, forming papillary projections. The Connective Tissue stroma of the gland is highly vascularized and infiltrated with lymphoid Cells, which form lymphoid follicles with germinal centers.

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Fig. 3.71 Colloid goiter



Last update: 08/08/2026

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