The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

Introduction

Thyroid and parathyroid glands are a part of the endocrine glands. So, they make and release hormones. Thyroid hormones can affect the body’s metabolic rate and mineral levels in the blood. The parathyroid gland also produces hormones that can help control the level of essential minerals in the body.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is present in the front part of the neck. It has two lobes- the left and right lobes. These two lobes are connected by a small bridge of thyroid tissue known as the isthmus. The two lobes are present on each side of your windpipe. 

Role of Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is responsible for making triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones released into the bloodstream. These hormones can increase the metabolic rate of the body. It is the metabolic rate of how quickly the body’s cells use the energy within them. The hormones released by the thyroid gland use more energy. The thyroid hormone controls the amount of energy the cells use, and so it regulates the body temperature. When energy is used, your body releases heat. This, in turn, increases the body temperature. Thyroid hormones are also responsible for making proteins. Again, they can increase the glucose and fat stores of the body. 

Parathyroid Gland

Parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands of the endocrine system regulating our body’s calcium. It can be found in the neck behind the thyroid, where they regulate and monitor blood calcium levels regularly. They are placed behind the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. 

Role of the Parathyroid Gland

The parathyroid gland is responsible for controlling the calcium levels in your blood. This is how the calcium levels in your body always remain stable. It is crucial to ensure that the nervous system and the muscles in your body work properly. The glands ensure that your bones stay strong. 

Parathyroid glands primarily exert their effects on the kidneys and bones. The gland releases a hormone known as parathyroid hormone. When the calcium level in your body is low, the gland releases a parathyroid hormone into the gland to make the bones release calcium. Thus, the calcium levels increase in the bloodstream. The hormone also causes the kidney to stop calcium from being lost in the urine. 

Suppose someone is not getting enough calcium through their regular diet or doesn’t take enough Vitamin D, the calcium level in the bloodstream drops. So, the parathyroid glands produce more hormones. It helps in bringing the calcium level up to standard.

Relationship Between Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are close to each other and present in the neck’s lower sections. The former is draped over the windpipe with the right and left lobe connected in the middle with the help of a thyroid tissue known as the isthmus. It is placed just below the ‘Adam’s Apple’ and has a butterfly shape. 

The parathyroid gland is close to the thyroid gland. However, they are much smaller in size. Usually, it has the size of a corn kernel or rice grain. 

Thyroid gland regulates the blood calcium level.Parathyroid hormone is hypercalcemic hormone, i.e., it increases the blood Ca2+ levels. With thyrocalcitonin of Thyroid gland it plays a significant role in calcium balance in the body.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders generally occur when the respective gland releases fewer or excessive hormones. This kind of imbalance might lead to a functional disturbance that regulates how your body metabolises proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also controls how your body uses energy, intakes oxygen and produces heat. 

Thyroid hormone production is regulated by another hormone produced by the pituitary gland. So, the thyroid and pituitary gland work together to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone in the body. If your body produces too little thyroid hormone, you are taken to be hypothyroid, but if the hormone production is more, you are hyperthyroid.

On the other hand, the parathyroid disorder might develop when the respective glands release an inadequate level of PTH hormone that controls the level of calcium in the body. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your body has more than the required calcium levels. This can have negative effects, such as kidney stones, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, and many more. But if the gland doesn’t produce enough PTH hormone, it will have low calcium levels. Thus, it will have a damaging effect on the nerves and the muscles.

Diagonosis of Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases 

Thyroid and parathyroid disorders are diagnosed through comprehensive testing, which begins with a physical exam or complete history. After that, bloodwork follows. 

Based on the specific issue, an ultrasound of the neck might be performed to identify all abnormalities. Ultrasounds help with needle biopsy if required for evaluating the lymph nodes and nodules in the neck. Imaging tests, such as MRI, CAT scan, or nuclear medicine, might also be performed. 

Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery is Completely Different

Even though the two glands are very close to each other anatomically, surgery for issues is quite different. Hyperparathyroidism surgery involves seeking and taking out the hyperfunctioning gland. 

For example, thyroid nodules might come into notice during a parathyroid operation. It has to be evaluated, and in case there is a concern for thyroid cancer, they have to be removed or biopsied as part of the surgery. In other situations, the thyroid can be considerably friable or enlarged. Thus, locating the abnormal and normal parathyroid glands becomes more difficult. So, only an expert parathyroid surgeon can deal with these thyroid-related problems to ensure a good outcome. 

Conclusion

Thyroid and parathyroid glands are essential glands of the body. But even though they sound similar and are located close to each other, there is no relationship between the thyroid and parathyroid gland. However, the thyroid gland can affect the parathyroid gland. If the calcium level of your blood is high, the thyroid gland releases calcitonin. It slows down the activity of osteoclasts present in bone. This, in turn, decreases the calcium levels to drop, and the parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormones. The glands are vital members of the endocrine system. However, they are also responsible for the proper functioning of your body’s muscular and nervous systems.