Gland Parathyroid Inferior

The parathyroid gland (glandula parathyreoidea) is one of two paired endocrine glands that are located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. It produces parathyroid hormone, which regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

The parathyroid gland has two parts - upper and lower. The upper gland is called the thyroid gland (glandula thyreoidea). The lower gland that we will look at in this article is called the inferior parathyroid gland (glandula paratyroidea inferior).

The inferior parathyroid gland is located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, in the region of its lower third. It has the shape of a triangle, the base of which is directed towards the thyroid cartilage, and the apex - towards the spinal column. The upper part of the gland is adjacent to the esophagus, and the lower part is adjacent to the trachea.

The dimensions of the inferior parathyroid gland can vary from 1 to 2 cm in length and from 0.5 to 1 cm in width. The mass of the gland is approximately 0.3 g.

The upper surface of the gland is covered with a connective tissue capsule that surrounds it on all sides. On this surface there are small follicles in which parafollicular cells that produce parathyroid hormone are located.

On the lower surface of the gland there are blood vessels and nerve endings. The gland is surrounded by connective tissue, which forms a capsule.

The functions of the parathyroid glands are to regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, as well as to maintain normal calcium levels in the blood. If calcium levels in the blood decrease, parathyroid hormone stimulates the release of calcium from the bones, resulting in an increase in serum calcium levels.

If serum calcium levels increase, parathyroid hormone lowers the level, stimulating calcium excretion in urine and other secretions.