Parathyroid Glands

Question 1

Where are the parathyroid glands located

Answer 1

Rear of the thyroid glands, 4 small pea shaped

Question 2

PTH plays vital role in what

Answer 2

maintaining Ca ions

Question 3

Describe the 3 ways PTH increases blood levels of Ca ions

Answer 3

1) Activates reabsorption of bone matrix by osteoclasts
2) Increases dietary calcium absorption in small intestine
3) Increases calcium re-absorption in the kidney

Question 4

Too much PTH leads what

Answer 4

Osteoclasts break down large areas of bone to form fibrous cysts called Osteitis fibrosa cystica

Question 5

Too little PTH leads to what

Answer 5

Decreased levels of Ca ions, leading to muscle twitching, convulsions, paralysis (tetany) and death