The parathyroid glands, or more correctly they will be called parathyroid glands, are an independent paired organ of internal secretion. It consists of two pairs of oval-shaped small endocrine glands. They are located on the back surface of the thyroid gland, at its lower and upper poles.
Parathyroid hormones (name)
The parathyroid gland synthesizes two hormones. Parathyroid hormones are parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin.
Parathyroid hormone (parathyroid hormone) is the main secret of this body. Hormones of the parathyroid gland got their name from the organ of internal secretion, which produces them, i.e. from the parathyroid gland. And the name calcitonin speaks for itself - it reduces the concentration of calcium in the blood serum.
Hormones of the parathyroid gland and their effect on the human body
We found out what hormones the parathyroid gland synthesizes. Now let's talk about the functions for which they are responsible. Hormones of the parathyroid gland are of great importance for the body.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a protein compound that contains iron, nitrogen and sulfur. This hormone is constantly synthesized.
- With his participation, the formation of the skeleton and the accumulation of calcium in the bones is carried out - an important element that ensures bone strength.
- In addition, this parathyroid secretion stimulates the function of osteoclasts, which are responsible for the removal of calcium from bone tissue into the blood. This process allows you to maintain the right balance between the calcium content in bones and blood. Moreover, in the skeletal system contains about 99% of calcium, and in serum only 1%.
- Calcium ions are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, contractile activity of muscle tissue. Calcium is an important component in the blood coagulation system and activates the action of certain enzymes.
Calcitonin is responsible for reducing the concentration of calcium in the blood and is not constantly synthesized, but only with hypercalcemia.
Thus, parathyroid hormones and their functions are irreplaceable for the human body. They take part in important metabolic processes.
The action of parathyroid hormone on other organs
The fact that parathyroid hormones are important for the skeletal system, we found out. Now dwell on their effect on other organs.
- This hormone has an effect on the urinary system. With the kidneys, a certain amount of calcium is excreted from the body. This process occurs under the control of parathyroid hormone.
- Parathyroid hormone helps the absorption of calcium from the small intestine into the blood.
- This hormone reduces calcium deposition in the lens of the eye.
Hypofunction of the parathyroid gland
Hormones of the parathyroid gland with its hypofunction are not produced in sufficient quantities. The inhibited activity of the parathyroid gland causes the so-called tetany, or convulsive disease. At the same time, the excitability of the nervous system increases significantly. In individual muscles, fibrillar contractions periodically occur, turning into prolonged cramps. In severe cases, cramps spread to all muscle groups, including the respiratory, as a result of which the patient dies from asphyxiation (suffocation).
In the case of a gradual sluggish progression of tetany, patients may experience digestive system disorders, dental problems, and poor hair and nail growth.
Parathyroid hormones maintain a normal concentration of calcium in the blood. Normally, it is from 2.1 to 2.5 mmol / L. With tetany, the serum calcium level does not rise above 2.12 mmol / L. This is manifested not only by muscle cramps, such patients are nervous and often suffer from insomnia.
Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland
Hormones of the parathyroid gland with its hyperfunction are synthesized in excess. This can occur with hyperactivity of one of the sites of this endocrine gland. This leads to serious disorders associated with an imbalance of serum calcium. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism and can lead to pathological processes:
- Parathyroid osteodystrophy.
- Hypercalcemia.
Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism
The primary symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are nonspecific:
- Apathy, lethargy, weakness.
- Bad mood.
- Nausea and loss or lack of appetite.
- Constipation
- Pain in joints and bones.
One of the options for hyperparathyroidism can be chronic glandular hyperfunction, while the level of calcium in the bones decreases, and in the blood, on the contrary, increases. The bones of such patients become brittle, digestive upset occurs and problems associated with the cardiovascular system are observed.
Hyperfunction may occur due to the growth of a separate area of the parathyroid gland. In the blood of such patients, an excess of calcium and excessive ossification of the skeleton are determined. Patients may have an indigestion (diarrhea, vomiting). From the nervous system, there is a decreased excitability, apathy. With the further development of the disease, skeletal curvature (deformation of the chest and spine) may appear. Patients for several months lose much weight - up to 10-15 kg in 3-4 months. Temporary excitability may be observed, which is subsequently replaced by inhibition. This condition requires immediate treatment, because in advanced severe cases, this may result in the death of the patient. In the event of the appearance of similar symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, preferably an endocrinologist.
Treatment of disorders of the parathyroid gland
We found out what function the hormones of the parathyroid gland perform. Disturbances in the functioning of this endocrine gland need correction. Hypofunction is much easier to treat. The patient needs to prescribe a number of drugs and adjust the diet, and sunbathing is also recommended. This will improve the absorption of calcium by the body, as For this we need vitamin D, which our skin produces under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Treatment of hyperfunction of this organ is performed only surgically. In this case, only the overgrown area of the parathyroid gland is removed. Completely this organ cannot be removed, because this will lead to uncontrolled convulsions and death of the patient.
Hormones of the parathyroid gland, their effect on the body is very important. In time to identify problems associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands, preventive examinations and medical examination will help. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound. With the help of such an examination, it will not be difficult for a specialist to identify a problem in time.