Parathyroid Glands

Biology

definition

Parathyroid gland

  • The major function of the parathyroid glands is to maintain the body's calcium and phosphate levels within a very narrow range, so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly. 
  • The parathyroid glands do this by secreting parathyroid hormone.

definition

Parathyroid gland- Origin, location and structure

Parathyroid gland is an endocrine gland (not related to thyroid gland) present in the neck.
Origin
  • Develops from the endoderm of the embryo
Location
  • Four parathyroid glands are on the posterior (backside) surface of thyroid gland
  • One pair of parathyroid glands are present on each lobe of the thyroid gland
Structure
  • They have a beanlike shape. 
  • They are encapsulated and have smooth structures.
  • They are made of two types of cells; small chief/principal cells and the oxyphil cells (eosinophils)
  • While the chief cells produce the parathyroid hormone the function of the oxyphil cells is unknown.

definition

Hormones of the Parathyroid gland

The principal/chief cells of the parathyroid produce the parathyroid hormone, also called the parathormone. The function of this hormone is 
  • To maintain calcium and phosphate balance in the blood and other tissues.
  • To increase calcium reabsorption from the intestine as well as from the nephrons of the kidney
  • To initiate bone resorption (e.g. reabsorption of calcium from bones), in case the blood calcium levels drop.

definition

Parathyroid disorders

An increase or decrease in the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secreted by the parathyroid gland can lead to parathyroid disorders; Hyperparathyroidism (deficiency of PTH) and Hypoparathyroidism (excess of PTH).

definition

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which there is an excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Hyperparathyroidism can be primary hyperparathyroidism or secondary hyperparathyroidism
Causes
  • Abnormality in the parathyroid gland leading to excess PTH production (primary hyperparathyroidism)
  • It is usually because of the tumour of one of the parathyroid glands.
  • In secondary hyperparathyroidism, there is excess production PTH to compensate for the hypocalcemic condition of the body. It is also caused due to vitamin D deficiency.
Symptoms
  • Increased calcium content in the blood (due to increased osteoclastic activity and bone resorption)
  • Renal stones
  • Osteomalacia (insufficient mineralization of the bones) and osteoporosis
  • Pancreatitis and hear diseases.

definition

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid gland is reduced. This condition uncommon. 
Causes
  • Injury or surgical removal of three/four of the four parathyroid glands leads to hypoparathyroidism.
  • autoimmune diseases
  • cancer radiation treatments
Symtopms
  • Decreased blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can lead to tetany. 
  • Tetanic spasm of the laryngeal muscles can lead to respiratory problems leading to death.
  • Increased blood phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia)

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