Difference Between Thyroid And Parathyroid: Symptoms & Causes

What Are Thyroid And Parathyroid Glands?

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are major endocrine organs concerned with several key functions of the body. The thyroid controls the metabolic rate, and heart rate, and warms up the body temperature through the production of thyroid hormones. The parathyroid glands work differently: they regulate blood calcium and bone metabolism by endocrine production of parathyroid hormone.

Although both are localised in the neck and endocrine glands, they exert different physiological functions. The thyroid affects almost all metabolic processes, whereas the parathyroid glands have roles in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis—an excellent example of the specificity in endocrine regulation.

Anatomy And Location

Knowing the anatomy and position of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, one can explain their functions and associated diseases.

Anatomy Of Thyroid Gland

• Butterfly-shaped gland with two lobes connected by an isthmus.

• Approximately 4-6 cm in length, 1-2 cm in width.

• Located below the Adam's apple and in front of the trachea.

Anatomy Of Parathyroid Gland

• Normally four small, oval-shaped glands

• Size of each gland: A grain of rice size, 3-4 mm

• Location with regards to the thyroid gland: Posterior surface of the thyroid gland, two on each side.

Functions

The functions of the thyroid and parathyroid glands are different and crucial to other homeostatic functions of the body.

Thyroid Gland Functions

• Production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4

Regulation of:

• Metabolism

• Heart rate

• Body temperature

Parathyroid Gland Functions

• Production of parathyroid hormone (PTH)

• Regulation of calcium levels in the blood

• Bone remodelling.

Hormonal Control And Feedback Mechanisms

Analysing the hormonal control and feedback mechanisms for these glands gives an idea of how they participate in homeostasis.

Thyroid Gland Hormonal Control

• Hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis: Hypothalamus releases TRH, which stimulates the pituitary to release TSH.

• This in turn stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.

• Self-regulating feedback loop: High levels of T3 and T4 inhibit TRH and TSH production.

Parathyroid Gland Hormonal Control

• Blood calcium amount regulation: Decreased calcium levels induce PTH release.

• PTH increases blood calcium by acting on bones, kidneys, and the gut.

Common Disorders And Diseases

Different pathologies can simultaneously alter thyroid and parathyroid glands, impairing their normal functioning.

Thyroid Disorders

• Hyperthyroidism: Overproduction of thyroid hormones

• Hypothyroidism: Underproduction of thyroid hormones

• Thyroid nodules and cancer: Abnormal growths or malignancies in the thyroid.

• Symptoms vary widely, treatments include medication, radioactive iodine, and surgery.

Parathyroid Disorders

• Hyperparathyroidism: Excessive PTH production.

• Hypoparathyroidism: Inadequate PTH production.

• Parathyroid tumours: Abnormal growths in the parathyroid glands.

• Symptoms occur because of the disturbed calcium level; treatment is often surgical or supplement-based.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options will vary depending on the specific disorder occurring in either the thyroid or parathyroid glands.

Treatment Options For Thyroid Disorders

• Medications: Antithyroid drugs, hormone replacement therapy

• Radioactive iodine therapy: Destroy overactive thyroid cells

• Surgery: Thyroidectomy to remove a portion or all of the thyroid gland.

Treatment Options For Parathyroid Disorders

• Medications: Calcium supplements, vitamin D

• Surgery: Parathyroidectomy is performed to remove overactive or tumorous parathyroid glands.

Table: Comparative Analysis Of Thyroid And Parathyroid

Conclusion

Knowing the differences between the thyroid and parathyroid glands is important for understanding their functions in overall health and the endocrine system. Maintaining awareness of the various activities and the myriad control mechanisms of these tissues allows one to make sense of and develop treatments for disorders associated with malfunction or pathology of the thyroid and parathyroid.

Recommended Video On 'The Difference Between Thyroid And Parathyroid'