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The Role of the Thyroid The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck, just below the voicebox. Endocrine glands produce hormones. These are chemicals that carry messages through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone. It does this with help from a gland in the brain called the pituitary. Keeping the Body Working Right Thyroid hormone helps keep all the cells in the body working right. It does this by controlling the metabolism. This is the rate at which every part of the body functions. Thyroid hormone keeps the metabolism at a healthy pace, not too fast and not too slow. On the inside of the body, this helps the brain, heart, muscles, bones, digestive tract, and other organs work well. On the outside, it helps maintain the skin, hair, and nails. A balanced metabolism also helps ensure a healthy temperature, heart rate, energy level, and growth rate. 
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