In the human body there is a huge number of organs and systems that perform a variety of functions. One of them is the parathyroid glands. This is a certain part of the thyroid gland, located directly on its back wall. The proper functioning of these glands affects many processes in our body. Therefore, every person must have 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 terrible, 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 an endocrine gland. Naturally, it is included in the totality of the endocrine system, which is endowed with the human body. In general, the work of the thyroid gland is associated with the production of certain hormones that maintain balance in the human body.
Lobes of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is, first of all,in total, a symmetrical organ, since it includes an isthmus and two identical lobes located on both sides of it. The right lobe of the thyroid gland, like the left one, is located directly on the trachea, while the isthmus is located on its front part. Some physicians may also focus on the pyramidal lobe. Here we should mention such a thing as the volume of the thyroid gland. After all, 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 true. It does not affect human he alth in any way and is not a defect.
In general, the norm of the thyroid gland in terms of volume should be determined only on the basis of an examination by a competent endocrinologist, individually for each person. By the way, you should contact him already when the first symptoms associated with your inner well-being appear. 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 of all the necessary nutrients (oxygen, iodine, proteins, etc.) If their deficiency is detected, 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 for each person individually. First, the doctor will offer you to undergo an ultrasound examination, and only then donate blood to the levelhormones.
The activity of the thyroid gland: 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 size of the shares: 20/20/40 mm. The value of the volume of the isthmus will be equal to 4 x 5 mm. In this case, the size of the lobes of the thyroid gland 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 characteristics have a direct impact on the size of the thyroid gland. Old age reduces the volume of the thyroid gland, and the age of puberty, on the contrary, increases it. Also, the pregnancy of women stimulates a temporary increase in the volume of this gland. At the same time, the fact in question is considered the norm and is not treated in any way until the very birth.
As it has already become clear, the thyroid gland is a part of the human endocrine system, therefore several hormones are constantly synthesized in it: calcitonin (a 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 ones, 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 in the process of life depends on the functioning of thyroid hormones. They are in charge of the jobimmunity, 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 if discomfort occurs in the neck), but also to understand the importance of its proper functioning.
What is the parathyroid gland?
I would immediately like to note its direct involvement in the entire human endocrine system. With the normal structure of the entire thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands are located on its posterior surface. A person has two such pairs. Remember that they can also be outside the thyroid gland. The composition of these glands includes two types of cells: oxyphilic and chief.
These cells, namely their cytoplasm, contain granules called secretory. It is very important to understand that the parathyroid gland is an organ of internal secretion, and it lives and functions completely independently. Therefore, somehow it cannot be replaced or deleted. Otherwise, even if you try to leave the thyroid gland, the person does not survive.
Sizes of parathyroid (parathyroid) glands, their number and location
The shape of the parathyroid glands is predominantly oval (in the form of a kidney or bean, sometimes it resembles a circle, and is also flattened), and the size reaches 8 mm. Quite often, a person has various anomalies in the number and location of the parathyroid glands. Sometimes doctors diagnose their presence in the goiter or between the trachea and esophagus. An increase in the number of parathyroid glands is more common. Scientists along withdoctors recorded cases of finding 8 and even 12 pieces. The sizes of the parathyroid glands do not differ 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 the 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 attach 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 supplied with blood vessels, which allows them to be saturated with oxygen. Lymphatic capillaries surround the parathyroid glands considerably. Hormones through them, as well as with the help of a venous network, are distributed throughout the human body. Of course, the functions of the parathyroid gland are many. But one of the main ones is the regulation of the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in the human body. This phenomenon occurs only with the help of the fact that the work on the synthesis of hormones is done directly by the parathyroid glands. The hormones they produce are of two types:
- calcitonin - it is hereduces 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 number by releasing a certain dose of one or another hormone.
Hormones produced by the parathyroid glands
The parathyroid glands produce two hormones, the main one being parathyrin (parathormone). After all, with its help, a powerful regulation of the level of calcium in the human body is carried out. This hormone is a compound of protein, which, 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 is bound by phosphates and proteins. Also, the hormone parathyrin has the opposite effect on the skeleton - bone resorption with age. In general, this process is called the normalization of calcium levels.
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 major organs and tissues have been noticed that are kind of targets for it:
- Kidneys: Some calcium is known to be excreted from the human body in the urine. This process requires regulation, which is due to the hormone parathyrin.
- Bone tissue: normalizes the amount of calcium in it, thanks to which the human skeleton is able to develop and grow.
- Gastrointestinal tract: this is where parathyrin helps calcium to be absorbed.
In turn, the parathyroid glands, producing the hormone parathyrin, have a direct impact on the work of all body cells.
Diseases associated with abnormal functioning of the parathyroid gland
Like any other organ, tissue or entire system in the human body, the parathyroid gland can function improperly. This usually leads to its hypofunction or hyperfunction, which contributes to the development of many diseases. You can already determine this ailment on the basis of the occurrence of some symptoms. At the same time, you need to quickly contact qualified specialists and, on their recommendation, conduct appropriate examinations and pass the necessary tests.
Parathyroid hypofunction
This disease is characterized by an incorrect amount of the parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid gland, namely its deficiency. 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 urine test, an ECG. Typically, these studies show significantchanges that will lead to further conclusions and the appointment of the correct treatment.
Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland
This 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 functioning of the human gastrointestinal tract, cause brittle bones and pain in the joints, bend the spine and chest, lead to irritability and depression. Sometimes excess calcium leads to significant changes in kidney function. Therefore, if the above symptoms occur, you should immediately contact an endocrinologist to prescribe the appropriate treatment. And to confirm the hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland, ultrasound, an x-ray, a biochemical blood test are usually prescribed. On the basis of the research, the doctor is able to make the correct diagnosis.
Treatment of parathyroid disorders
Of course, parathyroid hypofunction 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 exposure to the sun for better absorption of calcium. Treatment of hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland is possible only through surgical intervention. And then therapy with special means is already prescribed.
Measures to prevent parathyroid disease
As it has already become clear, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are veryare closely interconnected. Therefore, their work, as well as the problems in it, have a direct impact on each other. In order to never have problems with these internal secretion organs in your body, try to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland at least once a year for the purpose of prevention. Any competent specialist, having identified minor changes in it, will offer you additional studies to exclude various pathologies.
Understand that the normal operation of any organ or system in the human body directly depends on its lifestyle. How much he eats properly and balanced, whether he leads an active lifestyle or not, and more. Therefore, watch your he alth, conduct preventive examinations and contact highly qualified doctors in a timely manner.
