Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands Doni Achsan Chase Kress Austin Phillip

General Overview Thyroid Gland  The thyroid gland or simply, the thyroid,  is one of the largest endocrine glands.  found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage (which forms the "Adam's apple").  The isthmus (the bridge between the two lobes of the thyroid) is located inferior to the cricoid cartilage.  controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones.  tetraiodothyronines (T 4 ) regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. (synthesized from both iodine and tyrosine.)  also produces calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium homeostasis.

General Overview Parathyroid Gland  The parathyroid glands  small endocrine glands in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone.  Humans usually have four parathyroid glands, which are usually located on the rear surface of the thyroid gland, or, in rare cases, within the thyroid gland itself or in the chest.  Parathyroid glands control the amount of calcium in the blood and within the bones.

The Picture of the Glands

Disorders - Thyroid  Hypothyroidism (Myxedema): inadequate production of hormones  inadequate skeletal and nervous development, metabolic rate 40% below normal  Hyperthyroidism: excess production of hormones  metabolic rate climbs, blood pressure/rate increases  Thyroid Nodes/Cancer

Disorders - Parathyroid  Hypoparathyroidism: inadequate production of hormones  prolonged muscle spasms because of less calcium concentration  Hyperparathyroidism: excess production of hormones  abnormally high amounts of calcium in body fluids causing brittle bones, weak skeletal muscles

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