Definition

A protein found in the thyroid gland that helps produce hormones important for regulating metabolism and growth.

Example

Thyroglobulin levels are often measured to assess thyroid function.

Conversation

Hey, have you heard about thyroglobulin?

Yeah, I read it's important for thyroid hormone production.

Exactly! It's fascinating how our bodies use thyroglobulin to create those hormones.

For sure! It makes me appreciate how complex our biology is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thyroglobulin is formed from "thyro-" (from Greek "thyreos", meaning shield, referring to the thyroid gland's shape) and "globulin" (from Latin "globulus", meaning small sphere). The word describes a protein that is a globular structure associated with the thyroid gland.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'shield' shape of the thyroid gland ('thyro-') and how this protein forms a 'small sphere' ('globulin') — that's why thyroglobulin is related to the thyroid.

Visually Confused Words