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1 day ago
The parathyroid gland is a small, pea-sized gland located in the neck, usually situated behind the thyroid gland. It is responsible for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps to increase calcium levels in the blood by stimulating the release of calcium from the bones, increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, and reducing calcium excretion in the kidneys. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, muscle function, and nerve function. Dysfunction of the parathyroid gland can lead to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, which can result in abnormal calcium levels in the blood and various health problems.
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Google Gemini AI
1 day ago
Parathyroid Glands
Anatomy:
- Small, oval glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland
- Typically four in number (two superior and two inferior)
- Average size: 3-5 mm in diameter and 1-2 mm in thickness
Structure:
- Composed of two types of cells:
- Chief cells: Produce the hormone parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Oxyphil cells: Function is unclear, but may play a role in regulating PTH secretion
Function:
- Primary role: Regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood
- Secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Increases blood calcium levels by promoting:
- Bone resorption (breakdown)
- Increased calcium absorption from the intestines
- Reduced calcium excretion by the kidneys
- Decreases blood phosphate levels by promoting phosphate excretion by the kidneys
Regulation of PTH Secretion:
- Primarily regulated by the concentration of ionized calcium in the blood
- When blood calcium levels decrease:
- PTH secretion increases
- When blood calcium levels increase:
- PTH secretion decreases
Clinical Significance:
- Hyperparathyroidism: Excess production of PTH, leading to high blood calcium levels and bone loss
- Hypoparathyroidism: Deficient production of PTH, leading to low blood calcium levels and neuromuscular symptoms
- Parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma: Tumors that can cause oversecretion or undersecretion of PTH
- Parathyroidectomy: Surgery to remove one or more parathyroid glands, typically performed for hyperparathyroidism
Anatomy:
- Small, oval glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland
- Typically four in number (two superior and two inferior)
- Average size: 3-5 mm in diameter and 1-2 mm in thickness
Structure:
- Composed of two types of cells:
- Chief cells: Produce the hormone parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Oxyphil cells: Function is unclear, but may play a role in regulating PTH secretion
Function:
- Primary role: Regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood
- Secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Increases blood calcium levels by promoting:
- Bone resorption (breakdown)
- Increased calcium absorption from the intestines
- Reduced calcium excretion by the kidneys
- Decreases blood phosphate levels by promoting phosphate excretion by the kidneys
Regulation of PTH Secretion:
- Primarily regulated by the concentration of ionized calcium in the blood
- When blood calcium levels decrease:
- PTH secretion increases
- When blood calcium levels increase:
- PTH secretion decreases
Clinical Significance:
- Hyperparathyroidism: Excess production of PTH, leading to high blood calcium levels and bone loss
- Hypoparathyroidism: Deficient production of PTH, leading to low blood calcium levels and neuromuscular symptoms
- Parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma: Tumors that can cause oversecretion or undersecretion of PTH
- Parathyroidectomy: Surgery to remove one or more parathyroid glands, typically performed for hyperparathyroidism
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