Changes

==Anatomy==

==Anatomy==

[[Image:Parathyroid Gland Active.jpg|thumb|right|350px|©RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Parathyroid Gland Active.jpg|thumb|right|350px|©RVC 2008]]

==Histology==

==Histology==

The parathyroids are histologically easy to distinguish from the [[Thyroid Gland - Pathology#Functional anatomy|thyroid]].  

The parathyroids are histologically easy to distinguish from the thyroid.  

The thyroid has a characteristic follicular structure, whereas the parathyroid consists of densely packed cells, of two types:

The thyroid has a characteristic follicular structure, whereas the parathyroid consists of densely packed cells, of two types:

Grossly, the parathyroids are difficult to differentiate from thyroid tissue or fat. A parathyroid gland may be accidentally removed during thyroidectomy. Care must therefore be taken if the second thyroid is removed to leave the parathyroid intact, otherwise [[Parathyroid Glands - Pathology|hypoparathyroidism]] may ensue.

Grossly, the parathyroids are difficult to differentiate from thyroid tissue or fat. A parathyroid gland may be accidentally removed during thyroidectomy. Care must therefore be taken if the second thyroid is removed to leave the parathyroid intact, otherwise [[Hypoparathyroidism|hypoparathyroidism]] may ensue.

====Histology Gallery====

====Histology Gallery====

The sole function of the parathyroid gland is to maintain [[Calcium|calcium homeostasis]]. Calcium homeostasis is, amongst other things, important for maintaining the function of the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Nervous System|nervous]] and [[Musculoskeletal System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|muscular]] systems. 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 [[Phosphorus|phosphorus homeostasis]].

The sole function of the parathyroid gland is to maintain [[Calcium|calcium homeostasis]]. Calcium homeostasis is, amongst other things, important for maintaining the function of the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Nervous System|nervous]] and [[Musculoskeletal System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|muscular]] systems. 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 [[Phosphorus|phosphorus homeostasis]].

 

 

 

[[Category:Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:A&P Done]]

[[Category:A&P Done]]