M3: The Parathyroid Glands Flashcards
Four small, pea-sized glands typically situated on the posterior surface of the thyroid
Parathyroid glands
Main function of the parathyroid glands
Regulation of calcium and phosphate levels through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
FUNCTIONS OF PARATHYROID GLANDS:
PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream.
Increasing calcium levels in the blood
FUNCTIONS OF PARATHYROID GLANDS:
It increases calcium absorption from the intestines by activating vitamin D.
Enhancing calcium absorption
FUNCTIONS OF PARATHYROID GLANDS:
PTH reduces the loss of calcium in the urine by stimulating the kidneys to reabsorb calcium.
Reducing calcium loss
Why is it important that parathyroid glands help calcium levels remain stable?
For proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and bones
Increased calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) may lead to:
- Bone pain or fractures
- Kidney stones
- Digestive problems
- Cognitive issues
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
Hyperparathyroidism
Occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to an imbalance in the body’s calcium and phosphate levels
Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
Occurs when one or more of the parathyroid glands become overactive, often
due to benign tumors (adenomas).
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
Overproduction of PTH increases calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), leading to:
- Bone loss or osteoporosis
- Kidney stones
- Fatigue, depression, and confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
Occurs as a result of another condition, usually kidney disease, which leads to low calcium levels in the blood.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
The parathyroid glands compensate by producing more PTH in an attempt to increase calcium levels.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
It often causes bone pain and deformities due to prolonged overproduction of PTH, as well as symptoms related to low calcium levels in the body.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
This is a complication of long-standing secondary hyperparathyroidism, often seen in people with chronic kidney disease.
Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
The parathyroid glands become autonomously overactive and produce excessive PTH even after the original cause (like kidney failure) is treated.
Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
TYPES OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM:
Similar to primary hyperparathyroidism but often more difficult to treat.
Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism
- Tingling lips, fingers, and toes (most common)
- Muscle cramps (most common)
- Muscle spasms called tetany (can affect the larynx, causing breathing difficulties)
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Brittle nails
- Cataracts
- Calcium deposits in some tissues
Occurs when the glands produce too little PTH – the blood calcium level falls, and the phosphorus level rises. The most common cause of __________________ is injury to the parathyroid glands during thyroid or neck surgery.
Hypoparathyroidism
A rare condition that happens when the body doesn’t make enough of some hormones.
Addison’s Disease
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Addison’s Disease
Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin darkening.
Addison’s Disease
Brain condition that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, pain, and other health issues.
Parkinson’s Disease
There is no cure, but therapy and medicine can reduce symptoms. Common symptoms include tremors, painful muscle contractions and difficulty speaking.
Parkinson’s Disease
Results in high rates of disability and the need for care. Many people with this disease also develop dementia.
Parkinson’s Disease
Cloudy areas that develop on the lens of the eye, causing vision changes.
Cataracts
Symptoms include blurry vision, faded colors, and sensitivity to light.
Cataracts
Treated with surgery to remove and replace the cloudy lens of the eye. This is also known as lens replacement surgery.
Cataracts
