The term "glandula parathyreoidea" refers to the parathyroid gland, which is located close to the thyroid gland in the neck. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The letter "g" is pronounced as /ɡ/, the letter "l" as /l/, and "a" as /ə/. The letter "y" is pronounced as /j/, "eo" as /iːoʊ/ and "idea" as /aɪˈdiə/. The correct spelling of this word is important to ensure clear communication in the medical field.
The glandula parathyreoidea, commonly known as the parathyroid gland, is one of the several endocrine glands located in the neck, specifically behind the thyroid gland. It consists of four small, oval-shaped structures measuring approximately 6 millimeters in diameter. The parathyroid glands are responsible for producing and secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the bloodstream.
The primary function of the glandula parathyreoidea is to maintain proper levels of calcium in the body. When blood calcium levels drop below normal, the parathyroid glands release PTH into the bloodstream. This hormone acts on the bones, kidneys, and intestines to increase calcium absorption, stimulate bone breakdown, and enhance renal reabsorption of calcium, ultimately raising the blood calcium levels back to equilibrium.
Disorders related to the glandula parathyreoidea typically arise from an overactive or underactive gland. Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of the parathyroid glands produce excessive PTH, leading to increased levels of calcium in the blood. This condition can cause symptoms such as fatigue, kidney stones, bone pain, and osteoporosis. On the other hand, hypoparathyroidism occurs when the glands fail to produce enough PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels. Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include muscle cramps, tingling sensations, fatigue, and mood changes.
In summary, the glandula parathyreoidea is a set of small endocrine glands responsible for producing and secreting parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the bloodstream, thus maintaining overall balance within the body.
Parathyroid gland, epithelial body, one or two small, bean-sized bodies on the posterolateral surface of the lateral lobes of the thyroid gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "glandula parathyreoidea" is derived from Latin. The noun "glandula" translates to "gland", and "parathyreoidea" is an adjective formed from merging two Latin roots: "parathyreo", derived from Greek "para-" meaning "beside", and "thyreoeides", meaning "resembling a shield". Thus, "glandula parathyreoidea" literally translates to "gland beside the thyroid". This term refers to the parathyroid gland, a small endocrine gland located near the thyroid gland in the neck.