PARATHYROID GLANDS
PARATHYROID GLANDS
- 4 in number (a superior pair and an inferior pair)
- Located on the posterior border of thyroid gland.
- Small endocrine gland.
Shape- Each parathyroid is oval or lentiform in shape.
Size- measuring 6x4x2 mm, and each weighs about 50 mg.
Development:
- The superior parathyroids are also referred to as ‘parathyroids IV’ because they develop from the fourth pharyngeal pouch.
- Inferior parathyroids are also referred to as ‘parathyroids III’ because they develop from the endoderm of third pharyngeal pouch.
SECRETION:
- Secretes hormones called Parathhormone, which controls the calcium & phosphorus metabolism along with thyrocalcitonin.
- It causes resorption of calcium from bones & makes them weak liable to fracture.
Position:
- Superior parathyroids are more consistent in position lying at the middle of posterior border of thyroid gland immediately above the termination of inferior thyroid artery (80%).
- In about 20% cases they lie posterolateral to upper pole of thyroid lobe.
Inferior parathyroids are more variable in positon. It may lie:
- within thyroid capsule, below inferior thyroid artery
- outside thyroid capsule, above inferior thyroid artery
- within the substance of the lobe near posterior border.
BLOOD SUPPLY:
- Each parathyroid receives blood supply from inferior thyroid artery, and also from the anastomosis b/w superior and inferior thyroid arteries.
VEINS & LYMPHATICS:
- Veins & lymphatics of gland are associated with those of thyroid gland i.e. inferior thyroid & middle thyroid vein.
- Pre & para tracheal group of lymph nodes.
NERVE SUPPLY:
- Vasomotor nerves are derived from middle & superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
Parathyroid activity- is controlled by blood calcium levels-low levels-stimulate and high level inhibit the activity of the gland.
APPLIED:
1. Tumors of parathyroid glands-
- Lead to excessive secretion of parathormone.
- Causes increased removal of calcium from bones making them weak & liable to fracture.
- Hypercalcaemia and increased urinary excretion of calcium salts lead to formation of stones in urinary tract.
2. Hypoparathyroidism–
- May occur spontaneously or from accidental removal of glands during thyroidectomy.
- Results in hypocalcaemia leading to increased neuromuscular irritability causing muscular spasm & convulsions (Tetany).
3. Parathyroid surgery: Autotransplantation
- Parathyroid gland is implanted in Brachioradialis muscle.
Exam Important
- Number of parathyroid glands is 4.
- The superior parathyroids are also referred to as ‘parathyroids IV’ because they develop from the fourth pharyngeal pouch.
- Inferior parathyroids are also referred to as ‘parathyroids III’ because they develop from the endoderm of third pharyngeal pouch.
- Each parathyroid receives blood supply from inferior thyroid artery.
- Parathyroid gland is implanted in Brachioradialis muscle.
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