Parathyroid

What happens when the blood calcium levels drop below a certain point?

calcium sensing receptors in the parathyroid gland are activated to release hormone inot the blood

How many paraythyroid glands are there?

four or more

What will a abnormal parathyroid gland appear as?

hypoechoic oval structure lying posterior to the thyroid gland

What does PTH do?

increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts to break down bone and release calcium, also increases gastrointestinal calcium absorption by activating vitamin D and promotes calcium conservation by the kidneys.

What are the lower positioned glands called?

inferior parathyroid glands

What size are the parathyroid glands?

size of a grain of rice

What is parathyroid hormone?

small protein that takes part in the control of calcium and phosphate homeostasis.

What are the higher positioned glands called?

superior parathyroid glands

What is the function of the parathyroid glands?

to maintain the body's calcium level within a very narrow range so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.

How are the parathyroid glands situated?

typically two one above the other on each lobe

What are the normal measurements for a parathyroid gland?

4-6 mm length 2-4 mm width .5-2 mm AP

What are some of the variant locations you can find the parathyroid glands?

@ the level of the carotid bifurcation and submandibular gland substernal/intrathroacic retroesophageal/retrotrachael intrathyroidal in the carotid sheath posterior to the carotid arteries

Are normal parathyroid glands visualized sonographically?

no

Where are the parathyorid glands located?

on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland

What is parathyroid hormone PTH also known as?

parathoromone