PARATHYROID GLANDS

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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