Question 1

what are the parathyroid glands?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid Glands: The parathyroid glands are 4 small groups of tissue that sit behind the thyroid gland.  They make parathyroid hormone or PTH which is involved in calcium metabolism.  Too much PTH causes the calcium level in the blood to go up.  An overactive parathyroid gland is often diagnosed when a routine blood test shows a high calcium level.

Question 2

how do the parathyroid glands work?

Accepted Answer

Calcium regulation.: The parathyroid glands are continously checking the calcium level in the blood.  If the level drops too low, the gland produces more parathyroid hormone (pth), which has several actions to promote calcium coming into the blood.  The gland also contains c cells, which make a separate hormone, calcitonin, which has some effects on bone metabolism.

Question 3

can i have more than four parathyroid glands?

Accepted Answer

: It’s possible, but that would be rare

Question 4

what would happen if the parathyroid glands were removed?

Accepted Answer

Low blood calcium: Removal of the parathyroid glands would immediately result in a low blood calcium and ususally tingling,  muscle cramps, impaired thinking and occasionally, seizures.  It can be treated with a powerful form of vitamin d and calcium.

Question 5

what happens if one of your parathyroid glands is damaged?

Accepted Answer

Three more remaining: There are four parathyroid glands situated in the neck, behind the thyroid gland -- two on left and two on right, usually a few centimeters apart.  These glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH) that control calcium and bone metabolism. Usually only 0.5 to 1 parathyroid is sufficient to make enough pth. If 3 to 3.5 glands are damaged or removed, the body can still maintain PTH and calcium control.

Question 6

what complications come in romoving th parathyroid glands

Accepted Answer

Low blood calcium: If one parathyroid gland is removed complications are unusual.  If all 4 glands are removed blood calcium levels develop immediately and if untreated lead to tingling and cramps and occasionally a seizure.  A nerve supplying a vocal cord could also be damaged and cause hoarseness.

Question 7

what are the main complications happen in parathyroid glands?

Accepted Answer

Hormone changes: The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called pth.  The production of this hormone is controlled by the serum levels of calcium.  If the production become independent of the calcium level due to a benign tumor of the gland, overproduction occurs.  If the glands are injured through radiation or surgery of other means, low production may result.

Question 8

does a person need to take medication if their parathyroid glands are removed?

Accepted Answer

Hypoparathyroidism: Sometimes yes. The medication is basically calcium and vitamin d.

Question 9

what will happen if all parathyroid glands was removed?

Accepted Answer

Low calcium: Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium concentration in the blood.  When you have no parathyroid hormone, your calcium level will drop and your phosphorus level will rise.  The treatment is to give back calcium and if you indeed have no parathyroid left, you will also need vitamin d- calcitriol.

Question 10

what are the hormones secreted by parathyroid glands?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone: The parathyroid glands secrete a substance called parathyroid hormone.  This hormone is heavily involved in calcium metabolism.  Calcium is vital to proper functioning of the heart, muscles, nerves, and bones.

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