Parathyroid Gland: What They Are, Function, Location, Levels, Symptoms & Causes

What Is The Parathyroid Gland?

A small, four-lobed endocrine gland behind the thyroid in the neck, the parathyroid gland is an organ whose main function includes the regulation of the calcium levels in the body via the parathyroid hormone. It does perform very vital functions to maintain bone health and proper neuromuscular functioning.

Anatomy Of Parathyroid Gland

Understanding the anatomy of the parathyroid gland is also essential to its function and role in the human body.

Location

The parathyroids are glands in your neck, next to the thyroid.

• Generally found on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.

• Four parathyroid glands can normally be found in every person.

Structure

• Small, pea-shaped glands.

• Oval or beaked shape.

• Comprised of chief cells and oxyphil cells, the cell types that produce the hormones.

Physiology Of The Parathyroid Gland

To understand its effect on calcium homeostasis, the physiology of the parathyroid gland has to be appreciated.

Function

• The blood concentration of calcium is maintained within a narrow range.

• The parathyroid hormone is produced and secreted.

• Optimum functioning of bones, muscles, and nerves.

Mechanism Of Action

• Actions of PTH on bones, kidneys, and intestines maintain calcium and phosphate concentration.

• PTH causes bone resorption for the release of calcium into the bloodstream.

• Increases kidney calcium reabsorption and intestinal calcium absorption.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Parathyroid hormone is another vital hormone released by the parathyroid glands. It also has a primary function in the regulation of calcium.

Synthesis And Secretion

• PTH is synthesised within the chief cells of the parathyroid glands.

• The primary stimulator for PTH secretion is low blood levels of calcium.

Actions Of PTH

• Raises blood calcium levels through the promotion of bone resorption.

• Increases absorption by the intestine.

• Lowers excretion by the kidneys.

Parathyroid Gland Disorders

Dysfunction of the parathyroid gland can lead to severe medical conditions as PTH plays a critical role in the regulation of bodily calcium levels.

Hyperparathyroidism

• Primary due to a problem within the gland itself.

• Secondary due to another condition such as kidney failure),

• Tertiary due to prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism

• Weak bones, kidney stones, fatigue, depression.

• Tests to Diagnose: Blood tests (Calcium, PTH levels) Imaging studies

• Treatment: surgery medications, monitoring of the amount of calcium intake.

Hypoparathyroidism

• Causes: Autoimmune diseases, surgical removal, genetic disorders.

• Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tingling seizures, dry skin.

• Diagnosis: Blood test, low Ca, low PTH level, clinical assessment.

• Treatment: Calcium and vitamin D drugs to relieve symptoms.

• Successful treatment of parathyroid disorders needs to be both surgical and medical.

Surgical Management

• Parathyroidectomy: Primary hyperparathyroidism or adenomas

• Surgery involves the removal of one or more parathyroid glands.

• Monitoring of calcium levels, and assurance of adequate calcium intake.

Medical Management

• Medications: Calcium level management medications include calcium supplements and vitamin D analogues

• Lifestyle changes: A well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium and regular exercise

• Diet: The intake of the patient about calcium and vitamin D must be adequate for maintaining bone health.

Newer Treatments

• Gene therapy: Gene therapy might prove to be a future treatment for genetic malfunctions caused by parathyroid disorders

Prevention

• Parathyroid disorders can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, and keeping a check on calcium levels.

Dietary Recommendations

• Calcium-rich foods: Milk and milk products, green vegetables, nuts, seeds.

• Vitamin D-rich foods: Fatty fish, fortified foods, supplements.

Monitoring

• Blood tests to check for calcium and PTH levels

• Management of any features of calcium imbalance at an early stage.

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