Parathyroid Glands

Question 1

Most people have how many parathyroid glands?

Answer 1

4

Question 2

Where are the parathyroid gland situated?

Answer 2

On the posterior aspect of the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland

Question 3

In embryology, where do the upper pair of parathyroid gland come from and with which structure do they descend?

Answer 3

From the 4th branchial cleft and descend with the thyroid

Question 4

In embryology, where do the lower pair of parathyroid gland come from and with which structure do they descend?

Answer 4

From the 3rd branchial cleft and descend with the thymus

Question 5

What are the three cell types present in the parathyroid gland?

Answer 5

Chief cells
Oxyphil cells
Water-clear cells

Question 6

Chief cells make up the majority of the parathyroid gland. Describe their morphology.

Answer 6

Have central nuclei
Pale and granular cytoplasm
Ill-defined cell margins
Contain PTH granules

Question 7

Oxyphil cells in the parathyroid gland decrease in prevalence with age. T/F?

Answer 7

False - they increase in prevalence

Question 8

Fat infiltration of the parathyroid gland is normal and increases with age. When does this plateau?

Answer 8

Early adulthood

Question 9

PTH is released in response too low…?

Answer 9

Serum calcium

Question 10

What is the action of PTH?

Answer 10

Increases renal phosphate loss
Increases renal and intestinal calcium absorption
Causes osteoclasts activation via receptors on osteoblasts