case study

four different methods PTH carries out its functions

- increases osteoclast activity which causes more bone resorption and an increase of calcium in the blood - decrease in osteoblast activity - promotes excretion of phosphate in urine, which leads to less bone deposition and prevents the formation of hydroxyapatite - promotes less excretion of calcium in urine, allowing more calcium to be conserved in the body

normal range of blood calcium levels in the blood

9.2-10.4mg/dL

are Ernest's calcium levels likely to be increased or decreased if his PTH gland is not functioning as it should be

I predict that Ernest's PTH levels are likely to be increased because his parathyroid glands are continuing to secrete PTH, even though calcium levels have become high.

how is the nervous system affected?

The nervous system is affected with high calcium because excess calcium levels interfere with the brain and how it functions, many times causing confusion and depression. We see this depression in Ernest's case because he misses his wife and wishes he was with her, even though it has been three years since she passed

how is the skeletal system affected

The skeletal system relies on calcium to make the bones strong and when there is a lack of calcium, brittle bones are present. When there is too much calcium, like in Ernest's case, the bone's begin to weaken and thin. Ernest is in the emergency room for a broken wrist, which shows how his bones have weakened due to the high amounts of calcium.

what is PTH

a hormone that works to raise blood calcium levels when there is a deficiency.

what gland is involved in this case study?

a type of endocrine gland called the parathyroid glands. the parathyroid glands are located on the surface of the thyroid, specifically the posterior surface.

what were Ernests seven symptoms

cataracts, constipation, depression, hemorrhoids, weak bones, arthritis, and kidney stones

how is the muscular system affected?

excess calcium weakens muscles and affects their regulation of contractions. rapid changes in the resting membrane potential result in these muscle spasms.

how can a doctor treat ernest?

he most common method of treating Ernest's condition is parathyroid surgery, which involves the removal of one or more abnormal parathyroid glands. A risk is that parathyroid cancer may be occuring in more than one out of the four parathyroid glands, and can be difficult to detect until surgery

what three body systems are affected by abnormal calcium

skeletal, nervous, and muscular.

what might you conclude if Ernest's PTH levels are within normal limits?

the parathyroid gland is functioning correctly. I think that Ernest may have a thyroid tumor. Only 1% of patients have an overactive parathyroid as a result of genetics and up to 30% of persons with a malignancy can develop hypercalcemia

how would a patient with normal calcium levels PTH compare to Ernest's?

their PTH levels would be lower than Ernest's levels because their blood calcium level is at normal level, so their PTH would not need to be secreted at a high level