The gland that is present close to the trachea is the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam's apple and above the collarbone. It wraps around the front of the trachea, which is the tube that carries air to the lungs. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate many important functions in the body, including metabolism, growth, and development. When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause a variety of health problems, including weight gain or loss, fatigue, and mood changes.