In the human body is a huge number of organs and systems that perform a variety of functions. One of them are the parathyroid glands. This is a certain part of the thyroid gland located directly on its posterior wall. The proper functioning of these glands affects many processes that occur in our body. Therefore, every person must possess some information about them.
Thyroid
Often, people with age have problems with the thyroid gland. In this case, doctors often advise donating blood for hormones. Is this topic so scary, can complications arise, and how to properly diagnose the thyroid gland? Almost everyone knows where the thyroid gland is located - this is the front of the human neck. First of all, it is worth noting that the thyroid gland is the gland of internal secretion. Naturally, it is included in the general totality of the endocrine system that the human body is endowed with. In general, the work of the thyroid gland is associated with the production of certain hormones that maintain balance in the human body.
Thyroid lobes
The thyroid gland is, first of all, a symmetrical organ, since its structure includes the isthmus and two identical lobes located on either side of it. The right lobe of the thyroid gland, as well as the left, is located directly on the trachea, while the isthmus is located on its front. Some doctors may focus on the pyramidal lobe. Here we should mention such a thing as the volume of the thyroid gland. Indeed, sometimes, when an extra (third) share is detected, illiterate specialists begin to talk about the pathology of the development of this gland. But this is far from the case. It does not in any way affect human health and is not a defect.
In general, the thyroid norm in terms of volume should be determined only on the basis of examination by a competent specialist endocrinologist, individually for each person. By the way, you should turn to it already if you experience the first symptoms associated with your inner well-being. It turns out that malfunctions in the thyroid gland directly affect the mood and physical condition of a person. The normal functioning of the thyroid gland depends on the amount in which all the necessary nutrients (oxygen, iodine, proteins, and others) come to it. If a deficiency is found, then the person immediately becomes aggressive and prone to depression. Also, extra pounds and the inability to lose weight are also obvious violations in the hormonal balance of the thyroid gland. The norm of the thyroid gland in terms of volume is determined individually for each person. First, the doctor will offer you to undergo an ultrasound examination, and only then donate blood to the level of hormones.
Thyroid activity: is it so important for the human body?
It is worth noting that the size of the thyroid gland depends directly on the weight of the person. You can, of course, highlight the average value of the shares: 20/20/40 mm. The volume of the isthmus will be 4 x 5 mm. The size of the thyroid lobes in this case will be from 20 to 40 g. By the way, the mass of the thyroid gland can reach a maximum of 65 g. There is another very important detail: gender and age features have the most direct effect on the size of the thyroid gland. Old age reduces the volume of the thyroid gland, and puberty, on the contrary, increases it. Also, the pregnancy of women stimulates a temporary increase in the volume of this gland. Moreover, the fact in question is considered the norm and can not be treated until the birth.
As it has already become clear, the thyroid gland is part of the human endocrine system , therefore, it constantly synthesizes several hormones: calcitonin (peptide hormone), triiodothyronine and thyroxine (iodine-containing hormones). They regulate the hormonal balance of the human body. These hormones affect the formation of new cells and the death of old, metabolism in the body. A person always needs energy to live, move, eat, sleep, etc. This is the hard work that thyroid hormones do. They are also able to maintain the temperature necessary for the body. The mental and physical development of a person during life depends on the functioning of the thyroid hormones. They are responsible for the functioning of the immune system, and this is very important in the fight against infection. That is why it is necessary not only to know where the thyroid gland is located (in order to react in time when unpleasant sensations occur in the neck), but also to understand the importance of its proper functioning.
What is the parathyroid gland?
Just want to note its direct involvement in the entire endocrine system of man. With the normal structure of the entire thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands are located on its posterior surface. A man has two such pairs. Remember that they can also be located outside the thyroid gland. The composition of these glands includes two types of cells: oxyphilic and main.
These cells, namely their cytoplasm, contain granules called secretory granules. It is very important to understand that the parathyroid gland is an organ of internal secretion, and lives, and it also functions completely independently. Therefore, it cannot be replaced or removed somehow. Otherwise, even when you try to leave the thyroid gland, a person does not survive.
Dimensions of parathyroid (parathyroid) glands, their number and location
The shape of the parathyroid glands is mainly oval (in the form of a kidney or bean, sometimes it resembles a circle, and also is flattened), and the size reaches 8 mm. Quite often, various anomalies occur in humans in the number and location of the parathyroid glands. Sometimes doctors diagnose their presence in the goiter or between the trachea and the esophagus. An increase in the number of parathyroid glands is more common. Scientists along with doctors recorded cases of finding 8 or even 12 pieces. The sizes of the parathyroid glands do not vary much: thickness - 1.5-2 mm, width - 3-4 mm, length - 6-7 mm. Often, the upper parathyroid glands are slightly smaller than the lower ones - this is the norm. Their weight is small, in total it reaches 0.04 g. The color of parathyroid (another name in medicine) glands is usually yellowish-brown or pale brown. They are located in the so-called own capsule, although sometimes they can join directly to the thyroid gland. Their blood circulation is carried out due to their own branch of the artery. An interesting fact: in all vertebrates, their number, shape, and size are significantly different.
Parathyroid glands: structure and functions
The composition of the parathyroid glands includes two types of cells, the so-called "light" (oxyphilic) and "dark" (main). The latter are usually much larger in number. The main thing is that these glands are well equipped with blood vessels, which allows them to be saturated with oxygen. Lymphatic capillaries significantly surround the parathyroid glands. Hormones in them, as well as with the help of the venous network, are distributed throughout the human body. Of course, the parathyroid gland has many functions. But one of the main ones is the regulation of the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in the human body. This phenomenon occurs only through the fact that the work on the synthesis of hormones is done directly by the parathyroid glands. The hormones produced by them are of two types:
- calcitonin - it is he who reduces the level of calcium in the blood;
- parathyroid hormone - increases the level of calcium in the blood.
In general, the work of the parathyroid gland (another medical name) is based on the “feedback” method. The human body catches how much calcium and phosphorus it contains. And the parathyroid gland, based on these data, regulates their amount due to the release of a certain dose of one or another hormone.
Hormones produced by the parathyroid glands
The parathyroid glands produce two hormones, the main of which is parathyrin (parathyroid hormone). Indeed, with its help, a powerful regulation of the level of calcium in the human body is carried out. This hormone is a protein compound that, in turn, contains sulfur, iron and nitrogen. It is secreted by the parathyroid gland without stopping. Parathyrin promotes the growth and development of the human skeleton.
This is due to the fact that calcium binds to phosphates and proteins. The parathyrin hormone also has the opposite effect on the skeleton - bone resorption with age. In general, this process is called - normalization of calcium levels.
The mechanism of action of parathyrin or its main effects
Of course, if this hormone has such a powerful effect on the calcium-phosphate composition in the human body, then several main organs and tissues that are peculiar targets for it have been noticed:
- Kidneys: as you know, a certain amount of calcium is excreted from the human body with urine. This process requires regulation, which is due to the hormone parathyrin.
- Bone tissue: normalizes the amount of calcium in it, due to which the human skeleton is able to develop and grow.
- Gastrointestinal tract: this is where parathyrin helps calcium absorb.
In turn, the parathyroid glands, producing the hormone parathyrin, have a direct effect on the work of all body cells.
Diseases associated with abnormal functioning of the parathyroid gland
Like any other organ, tissue or whole system in the human body, the parathyroid gland is able to function incorrectly. Usually this leads to its hypofunction or hyperfunction, which contributes to the development of many diseases. You can determine this ailment on your own based on the occurrence of some symptoms. At the same time, you need to quickly turn to qualified specialists and conduct relevant examinations on their recommendation, and pass the necessary analyzes.
Hypofunction of the parathyroid gland
This disease is characterized by the wrong amount of the parathyrin hormone produced by the parathyroid gland , namely its lack. Usually, this can be noticed already on the basis of the patient's complaints about numbness of the limbs, chills, muscle spasms, brittle nails, hair, and more. The doctor examines a person, namely his thyroid gland, prescribes a general blood test, a blood test for hormones, a general urinalysis, ECG. Typically, these studies show significant changes that will lead to further conclusions and the appointment of the right treatment.
Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland
Such a disease is expressed in an increase in the production of parathyrin, which is directly produced by the parathyroid glands. Hormones of this type (their excess) can disrupt the human gastrointestinal tract, cause brittle bones and joint pain, bend the spine and chest, lead to irritability and depression. Sometimes an excess of calcium leads to significant changes in the functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, if the above symptoms occur, you should immediately contact an endocrinologist to prescribe the appropriate treatment. And to confirm hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland, ultrasound, a radiograph, and a biochemical blood test are usually prescribed. Based on the studies, the doctor is able to make the correct diagnosis.
Treatment of disorders in the parathyroid gland
Of course, hypofunction of the parathyroid gland is much easier to diagnose and easier to treat. In the end, it is only necessary to normalize the calcium phosphate composition in the human body by taking certain drugs, a special diet, and unlimited sun exposure for better absorption of calcium. Treatment of hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland is possible only through surgical intervention. And then therapy is prescribed by special means.
Measures for the prevention of parathyroid diseases
As already understood, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are very closely interconnected. Therefore, their work, as well as problems in it, have a direct impact on each other. In order to never have problems with these organs of internal secretion in your body, try to do an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland at least once a year for prevention. Any competent specialist, identifying minor changes in it, will offer you additional studies to exclude various pathologies.
Understand that the normal functioning of any organ or system in the human body directly depends on his lifestyle. How much he eats correctly and in balance, does he lead an active lifestyle or not, and more. Therefore, monitor your health, conduct preventive examinations and timely contact highly qualified doctors.