Hormones of the parathyroid gland: functions, effects on the human body

The parathyroid glands, or, more correctly, they will be called parathyroid, is an independent paired organ of internal secretion. It consists of two pairs of small endocrine glands oval in shape. They are located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland itself, at its lower and upper poles.

Hormones of the parathyroid gland (name)

The parathyroid gland synthesizes two hormones. Hormones of the parathyroid gland are parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin.

Parathyroid hormone (parathyroid hormone) is the main secret of this organ. Hormones of the parathyroid gland received their name from the body of internal secretion, which produces them, i.e. From the parathyroid gland. And the name calcitonin speaks for itself - lowers 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 respond. Hormones of the parathyroid gland are of great importance for the body.

PTH is a protein compound that contains iron, nitrogen and sulfur. This hormone is synthesized constantly.

• With his 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 parathyroid secret stimulates the function of osteoclasts, which are responsible for the removal of calcium from bone tissue into the blood. This process helps maintain the right balance between the calcium content of bones and blood. And in the bone system contains about 99% of calcium, and in the blood serum it is 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 synthesized constantly, but only with hypercalcemia.

Thus, the hormones of the parathyroid gland and their functions for the human body are irreplaceable. They take part in important exchange processes.

The effect of parathyroid hormone on other organs

The fact that the parathyroid hormones are important for the bone system, we found out. Now let us dwell on their action on other organs.

• This hormone exerts its influence on the urinary system. With the kidneys, some 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 the deposition of calcium in the lens of the eye.

Hypofunction of the parathyroid gland

Hormones of the parathyroid gland with its hypofunction are produced in insufficient quantities. The oppressed activity of the parathyroid gland causes a so-called tetany, or convulsive disease. In this case, the excitability of the nervous system is significantly increased. In individual muscles, fibrillar contractions periodically occur, resulting in prolonged convulsions. In severe cases, seizures spread to all muscle groups, including respiratory ones, as a result of which the patient dies of asphyxia (suffocation).

In the case of gradual sluggish progression of tetany, patients may experience disorders related to the digestive system, dental problems, and poor hair and nail growth.

Hormones of the parathyroid gland maintain a normal concentration of calcium in the blood. Normally, it is between 2.1 and 2.5 mmol / l. At tetany, the serum calcium level does not rise above 2.12 mmol / l. This manifests not only 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 the hyperactivity of some of the areas of this endocrine gland. This leads to serious disorders associated with imbalance of calcium in the serum. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism and can lead to pathological processes:

• Paratyroid osteodystrophy.
• Hypercalcemia.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism

The primary symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are nonspecific:

• Apathy, lethargy, weakness.
• Bad mood.
• Nausea and a decrease or lack of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Pain in the joints and bones.

One of the variants of 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, the digestive system breaks down and problems associated with the cardiovascular system are observed.

Hyperfunction may appear due to the growth of a separate parathyroid gland. In the blood of such patients, excessive amounts of calcium and excessive ossification of the skeleton are determined. Patients may have indigestion (diarrhea, vomiting). From the side of the nervous system there is a decreased excitability, apathy. With further development of the disease, skeletal deformities (deformation of the thorax and spine) may appear. Patients for a few months strongly lose weight - up to 10-15 kg in 3-4 months. There may be a temporary excitability, which in the future is replaced by retardation. This condition requires immediate treatment, because In neglected severe cases this can result in the death of the patient. In case of similar symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay, preferably to an endocrinologist.

Treatment of parathyroid gland disorders

We found out what function the parathyroid hormones perform. Disturbances in the work of this endocrine gland need correction. 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 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 enlarged parathyroid gland is removed. Completely this body can not be removed, because it will lead to uncontrolled convulsions and death of the patient.

Hormones of the parathyroid gland, their influence on the body are very important. In time, to identify problems associated with the operation of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, preventive examinations and medical examination will help. If necessary, the doctor will appoint an ultrasound. With the help of such a survey in time to identify the problem specialist will not be difficult.