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Parathyroid Glands - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:43, 3 September 2008
, 16:43, 3 September 2008no edit summary
==The Parathyroid Glands==
==The Parathyroid Glands==
The parathyroid glands are small glands vital for [[Endocrine System - Calcium Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology|calcium homeostasis]].
The parathyroid glands are small glands vital for [[Calcium Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology|calcium homeostasis]].
==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
The parathyroid glands are multiple (generally four) small glands approximately 1-2mm in length are located about the cranial trachea.
The parathyroid glands are multiple (generally four) small glands approximately 1-2mm in length are located about the cranial trachea.
Generally there are two internal glands embedded within the [[Endocrine System - Thyroid Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Thyroid Glands]], and two external glands are outside the thyroid tissue. However all of the parathyroid tissue may be embedded within the thyroid gland itself.
Generally there are two internal glands embedded within the [[Thyroid Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Thyroid Glands]], and two external glands are outside the thyroid tissue. However all of the parathyroid tissue may be embedded within the thyroid gland itself.
In the Horse, there are 'nests' of parathyroid tissue along the neck to the thoracic inlet.
In the Horse, there are 'nests' of parathyroid tissue along the neck to the thoracic inlet.
===Physiology===
===Physiology===
* The sole function of the parathyroid gland is to maintain [[Endocrine System - Calcium Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology|Calcium Homeostasis]].
* The sole function of the parathyroid gland is to maintain [[Calcium Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology|Calcium Homeostasis]].
** Calcium homeostasis is, amongst other things, important for maintaining function of the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Nervous System|nervous]] and [[Musculoskeletal System - Anatomy & Physiology|muscular]] systems.
** Calcium homeostasis is, amongst other things, important for maintaining function of the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Nervous System|nervous]] and [[Musculoskeletal System - Anatomy & Physiology|muscular]] systems.
* When blood calcium levels drop below a certain point, calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid gland are activated to release [[Endocrine System - Hormones - Anatomy & Physiology|hormone]] into the blood.
* When blood calcium levels drop below a certain point, calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid gland are activated to release [[Hormones - Anatomy & Physiology|hormone]] into the blood.
*The hormone produced by the parathyroid gland (Parathyroid Hormone) also has an effect on [[Endocrine System - Phosphorus Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology|Phosphorus Homeostasis]].
*The hormone produced by the parathyroid gland (Parathyroid Hormone) also has an effect on [[Phosphorus Homeostasis - Anatomy & Physiology|Phosphorus Homeostasis]].