The parathyroid glands, or it would be more correct to call them parathyroid, is an independent paired organ of internal secretion. It consists of two pairs of small oval-shaped endocrine glands. They are located on the back surface of the thyroid gland itself, at its lower and upper poles.
Parathyroid hormones (name)
The parathyroid gland synthesizes two hormones. The parathyroid hormones are parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin.
Parathyroid hormone (parathyroid hormone) is the main secret of this organ. Parathyroid hormones got their name from the endocrine organ that 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.
Parathyroid hormones and their effect on the human body
We found out which hormones the parathyroid gland synthesizes. Now let's talk about the functions for whichthey answer. Parathyroid hormones 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 its participation, the formation of the skeleton and the accumulation of calcium in the bones - an important element that ensures the strength of bone tissue.
- In addition, this secret of the parathyroid gland 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 the bones and blood. Moreover, the skeletal system contains about 99% calcium, and only 1% in the blood serum.
- Calcium ions are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, the 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 synthesized constantly, but only with hypercalcemia.
Thus, parathyroid hormones and their functions are indispensable 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 let's dwell on their effect on other organs.
- This hormone has its effect on the urinary system. With the kidneys from the bodysome calcium is excreted. 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 deposits in the lens of the eye.
Hypothyroidism
Hormones of the parathyroid gland with its hypofunction are produced in insufficient quantities. The inhibited activity of the parathyroid gland causes the so-called tetany, or convulsive illness. At the same time, the excitability of the nervous system is significantly increased. In some muscles, fibrillar contractions are periodically observed, turning into prolonged convulsions. In severe cases, convulsions spread to all muscle groups, including respiratory ones, as a result of which the patient dies from asphyxia (suffocation).
In case of gradual, slow progression of tetany, patients may experience digestive disorders, dental problems, and poor hair and nail growth.
Parathyroid hormones maintain a normal concentration of calcium in the blood. Normally, it ranges from 2.1 to 2.5 mmol / l. With tetany, the level of calcium in the blood serum does not rise above 2.12 mmol / l. This is not only manifested 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. It mayoccur with hyperactivity of some of the sections of this endocrine gland. This leads to serious disorders associated with an imbalance of calcium in the blood serum. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism and can lead to pathological processes:
- Parathyroid osteodystrophy.
- Hypercalcemia.
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism
Primary symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are non-specific:
- Apathy, lethargy, weakness.
- Bad mood.
- Nausea and decreased or no appetite.
- Constipation.
- Pain in joints and bones.
One of the variants of hyperparathyroidism can be chronic hyperfunction of the glands, while the level of calcium in the bones decreases, and in the blood, on the contrary, increases. The bones of such patients become brittle, the digestive system is upset, and there are problems associated with the cardiovascular system.
Hyperfunction may appear due to the growth of a separate section of the parathyroid gland. In the blood of such patients, an excess amount of calcium and excessive ossification of the skeleton is determined. Patients may have indigestion (diarrhea, vomiting). On the part of the nervous system, there is reduced excitability, apathy. With the further development of the disease, skeletal curvature (deformation of the chest and spine) may appear. Patients lose a lot of weight in a few months - up to 10-15 kg in 3-4 months. There may be temporary excitability,which is later replaced by inhibition. This condition requires immediate treatment, because. in advanced severe cases, this can result in the death of the patient. If similar symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, preferably an endocrinologist.
Treatment of parathyroid disorders
We found out what function the parathyroid hormones perform. Violations in the work of this endocrine gland need to be corrected. Hypofunction is treated much easier. The patient needs to prescribe a number of medications and adjust the diet, and sunbathing is also recommended. This will improve the absorption of calcium by the body, because. this requires vitamin D, which is produced by our skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Treatment of hyperfunction of this organ is performed only by surgery. In this case, only the overgrown area of the parathyroid gland is removed. This organ cannot be completely removed, as this will lead to uncontrolled convulsions and death of the patient.
Parathyroid hormones, their effect on the body is very important. In time to identify problems associated with the work of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, preventive examinations and medical examinations 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 the problem in time.
