The parathyroid glands. Hormones of the parathyroid gland

In the human body is a huge number of organs and systems that perform a variety of functions. One of them are parathyroid glands. This is some part of the thyroid gland located directly on its back wall. The correct operation of these glands affects many processes occurring in our body. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for every person to have some information about them.

Thyroid

Often, people with age have problems with the thyroid gland. In this case, doctors are often advised to donate blood to hormones. Is this topic so terrible, can complications arise, and how to correctly diagnose the thyroid gland? Where the thyroid gland is located, they know practically everything - this is the front part of the human neck. First of all, it should be noted that the thyroid gland is a gland of internal secretion. Naturally, it is included in the total set of 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 equilibrium in the human body.

Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is, first of all, a symmetrical organ, since it consists of an isthmus and two identical lobes located on both sides of it. The right part of the thyroid gland, as well as the left one, is located directly on the trachea, while the isthmus is located on the front part of it. Some doctors can concentrate their attention on the pyramidal lobe. Here it is necessary to mention such a thing as the volume of the thyroid gland. After all, sometimes, if you find an excess (third) share, illiterate specialists start talking about the pathology of the development of this gland. But this is far from the case. It does not affect human health in any way and is not a defect.

In general, the thyroid gland in terms of volume should be determined only on the basis of examination by a competent endocrinologist, individually for each person. By the way, you should refer to it when you have the first symptoms associated with your internal state of health. It turns out that problems in the thyroid gland directly affect the mood and physical condition of a person. The normal functioning of the thyroid gland depends on how much nutrients (oxygen, iodine, proteins, etc.) come to it. If their deficiency is discovered, the person immediately becomes aggressive and prone to depression. Also, the extra pounds and the inability to lose weight - this is also obvious violations in the hormonal balance of the thyroid gland. Thyroid norm in terms of volume is determined for each person individually. First, the doctor will ask you to go through ultrasound, and then give blood to the level of hormones.

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 a person. It is, of course, possible to allocate an average value of fractions: 20/20/40 mm. The value of the volume of the isthmus will be 4 x 5 mm. The sizes of shares of a thyroid gland thus will make from 20 to 40 By the way, weight shchitovidki can reach a maximum 65 g. There is one more very important detail: sex-age features have the most direct influence on the sizes of a 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. In this case, the considered fact is considered the norm and can not be treated in any way until the very birth.

As it became clear, the thyroid gland is a part of the human endocrine system , therefore it constantly produces several hormones: calcitonin (peptide hormone), triiodothyronine and thyroxine (iodine-containing hormones). They also regulate the hormonal balance of the human body. These hormones affect the formation of new cells and death of old, metabolism in the body. Man always needs energy to live, move, eat, sleep, etc. That's the hard work of the hormones of the thyroid gland. They are also able to maintain the temperature necessary for the body. Mental and physical development of a person in the process of life depends on the functioning of thyroid hormones. They are responsible for the work of immunity, 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 (in order to react in time when there are unpleasant sensations in the neck), but also to understand the importance of its correct functioning.

What is parathyroid gland?

I just want to note her direct involvement in the entire endocrine system of man. With the normal structure of the entire thyroid, the parathyroid glands are located on the posterior surface of the thyroid. A person has two such pairs. Remember that they can be outside the thyroid gland. The composition of these glands includes two types of cells: oxyphilic and major. These cells, namely their cytoplasm, contain granules, called secretory ones. It is very important to understand that the parathyroid gland is an organ of internal secretion, and lives, and it also functions absolutely independently. Therefore, it can not be replaced or deleted. Otherwise, even when trying to leave the thyroid gland, a person does not survive.

Dimensions of parathyroid (parathyroid) glands, their number and location

The shape of the parathyroid gland is predominantly oval (in the form of a kidney or a bean, sometimes it resembles a circle, and also happens flattened), and the size reaches 8 mm. Quite often a person has various anomalies in the number and arrangement of parathyroid glands. Sometimes doctors diagnose their presence in the goiter or between the trachea and the esophagus. More common is the increase in the number of parathyroid glands. Scientists together with doctors recorded cases of finding 8 or even 12 pieces. The dimensions of the parathyroid glands do not differ greatly: 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. The weight of them is small, in all it reaches 0.04 g. The color of 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 join directly to the thyroid gland. Their blood circulation is carried out at the expense of its own branch of the artery. An interesting fact: in all vertebrates their number, shape, and dimensions are significantly different.

Parathyroid glands: structure and function

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 significantly surround the parathyroid glands. Hormones on them, and also with the help of venous nets, spread throughout the human body. Of course, there are many functions in the parathyroid gland. But one of the main things 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 performed directly by the parathyroid glands. Hormones produced by them are of two types:

• Calcitonin - that it lowers 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, on the basis of these data, regulates their quantity due to the release of a certain dose of one and the other hormone.

Hormones produced by parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands produce two hormones, the main one of which is parathyrine (parathyroid hormone). After all, with its help a powerful regulation of the level of calcium in the human body. This hormone is a protein compound, which in turn contains sulfur, iron and nitrogen. It is secreted by the parathyroid gland without stopping. Parathirin 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 parathyre has the opposite effect on the skeleton - resorption of bones with age. In general, this process was called - the normalization of the level of calcium.

The mechanism of action of paratirin or its main effects

Undoubtedly, if this hormone exerts such a powerful influence on the calcium-phosphate composition in the human body, then several basic organs and tissues are noted which are peculiar targets for it:

1. Kidneys: As is known, a certain amount of calcium is excreted from the human body with urine. This process requires regulation, which is due to hormone parathyrine.
2. Bone tissue: normalizes the amount of calcium in it, so that the human skeleton is able to grow and grow.
3. Gastrointestinal tract: it is here that parathyre helps calcium to be absorbed.

In turn, parathyroid glands, producing a hormone of parathyrene, have a direct effect on the work of all cells of the body.

Diseases associated with malfunctioning of the parathyroid gland

Like any other organ, tissue or whole system in the human body, the parathyroid gland can not function properly. Usually this leads to its hypofunction or hyperfunction, which contributes to the development of many diseases. Identify this ailment can already be done independently on the basis of the occurrence of certain symptoms. In this case, you need to quickly turn to qualified specialists and conduct on their recommendations the appropriate examinations, to pass the necessary tests.

Hypofunction of the parathyroid gland

This disease is characterized by an incorrect amount of parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid gland , namely its lack. Usually, you can notice this 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, appoints a general blood test, a blood test for hormones, a general urine test, an ECG. Usually, significant changes are evident in these studies, which lead to further conclusions and the appointment of the right treatment.

Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland

This disease is expressed in an increase in the production of parathyrin, which directly produces parathyroid glands. Hormones of this type (their excess) can disrupt the work of the human gastrointestinal tract, cause in it fragility of bones and joint pain, curvature of the spine and thorax, lead to irritability and depression. Sometimes excess calcium leads to significant changes in the functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, if any of the above symptoms occur, you should immediately contact the 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 conducted researches the doctor is capable to put the correct diagnosis.

Treatment of disorders in the parathyroid gland

Of course, hypothyroidism of the parathyroid gland is much easier to diagnose and easier to treat. It is only necessary to normalize the calcium-phosphate composition in the human body, by taking certain drugs, a special diet, unlimited sun exposure for better absorption of calcium. Treatment of hyperthyroidism of the parathyroid gland is possible only by surgical intervention. And then special therapy is prescribed.

Measures to prevent parathyroid disease

As it became clear, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are very closely interrelated. 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 organs of internal secretion in your body, try to do ultrasound thyroid at least once a year in order to prevent it. Any competent expert, revealing 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. As far as it is properly and nutritionally balanced, it leads an active way of life or not, and so on. Therefore, monitor your health, conduct preventive examinations and timely contact with highly qualified doctors.