Parastrum

Parastruma: history and meaning

Parastruma is a term used in medicine to describe the combination of two anatomical structures: the parathyroid gland and the thyroid gland. Currently, the term “parastruma” is not used in medical practice, but its meaning remains important for understanding the work of the endocrine system.

The parathyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the blood. The thyroid gland also produces hormones that regulate metabolism and development of the body.

The combination of the parathyroid glands and the thyroid gland is called the parastruma. Parastruma plays an important role in regulating the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Malfunction of the parathyroid and thyroid glands can lead to various diseases such as hypoparathyroidism (lack of parathyroid hormone) and hyperparathyroidism (excess parathyroid hormone).

Currently, parastruma has no clinical significance in medicine. However, its importance remains important in understanding the functioning of the endocrine system, as well as for the development of new methods of treating diseases associated with dysfunction of the parathyroid or thyroid gland.

Parastruma: The Mysterious Gland and Its Connection with the Struma

The parastruma, also known as the parathyroid gland or parathyroid gland, is an anatomical structure that plays an important role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Although the term "parastruma" is outdated, it is still widely used in medical literature to refer to this gland.

The parastruma is located in close proximity to the thyroid gland in the human neck. It consists of four small glandular structures that are usually the size of a pea. Although their size is small, the functional significance of the parastruma is very large.

The main function of the parastruma is to secrete the hormone parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays an important role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. This hormone stimulates the release of calcium from the bones, increases its absorption in the intestines and reduces its excretion through the kidneys. Thus, parastruma is a key element ensuring calcium homeostasis in the body.

Despite its small size and unusual name, parastruma may play a role in the development of certain diseases. For example, hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parastrum produces too much PTH, resulting in elevated calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, kidney and bone problems.

On the other hand, hypoparathyroidism, a condition in which the parastrum does not produce enough PTH, can lead to a lack of calcium in the body. This condition can cause seizures, muscle weakness, heart problems and other symptoms.

Treatment of parastruma diseases is usually aimed at correcting calcium levels in the body. In some cases, surgical removal of the parastruma may be necessary, especially if it becomes tumorous or causes serious health problems.

Although parastruma may seem like an insignificant part of our body, its function in regulating calcium levels in the blood is of great importance to overall health. Understanding the role of the parastruma and its connection with the struma helps us better understand the complex processes occurring in our body and can be of practical importance for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.