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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Thyroid Follicle and Colloid?

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Thyroid follicles and colloid are both components of the thyroid gland, which is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones vital for growth and metabolism in the body. The main differences between thyroid follicles and colloid are:

  • Function: Thyroid follicles are responsible for secreting thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Colloid, on the other hand, is a fluid found inside the thyroid follicle that serves as a storage compartment for the thyroid hormones.
  • Structure: Thyroid follicles are made up of simple epithelial cells, while the colloid is a glycoprotein-rich fluid that contains the prohormone thyroglobulin.
  • Location: Thyroid follicles are the structural and functional units of the thyroid gland, and they line the follicular lumen. The colloid is found inside the thyroid follicles, filling their central cavities.

In summary, thyroid follicles are responsible for producing and secreting thyroid hormones, while colloid is a fluid that serves as a storage compartment for these hormones within the thyroid follicles.

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  • What is the Difference Between Thyroid Follicle and Colloid?
  • Comparative Table: Thyroid Follicle vs Colloid

    • Comparative Table: Thyroid Follicle vs Colloid

    Thyroid follicle and colloid are both components of the thyroid gland, but they have distinct differences. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Feature Thyroid Follicle Colloid
    Definition Thyroid follicles are simple epithelial cells that make up the thyroid gland. Colloid is a glycoprotein-rich fluid found inside the thyroid follicle.
    Function Thyroid follicles secrete thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Colloid contains the prohormone thyroglobulin, which is essential for thyroid hormone production.
    Structure Thyroid follicles have a specialized and unique structure, comprising cell-specific proteins such as thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and Na+/I− symporter. The colloid is the fluid that fills the thyroid follicles.
    Color Thyroid follicles show purple-colored cells. Colloid shows pink-colored cells.

    In summary, thyroid follicles are the cells that make up the thyroid gland and secrete thyroid hormones, while colloid is the fluid inside the follicles that contains the prohormone thyroglobulin, which is essential for hormone production.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.