How Do You Spell PARATHYROIDS?

Pronunciation: [pˈaɹəθˌɪɹɔ͡ɪdz] (IPA)

The word "parathyroids" is a medical term used to describe the four small glands located near the thyroid gland. The spelling of this word can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. The "p" and "t" sounds are pronounced as stops with aspiration, while the "a" sound is pronounced as "æ". The "r" sound is pronounced with an American English rhotic accent, and the "th" sound is pronounced as a dental fricative. The final "s" sound is pronounced as an unvoiced alveolar fricative.

PARATHYROIDS Meaning and Definition

1. The parathyroids are a set of small, oval endocrine glands located near the thyroid gland in the human body. Specifically, they consist of four tiny parathyroid glands, two on each side of the thyroid gland, and are usually about the size of a grain of rice. Functionally, the parathyroids are responsible for maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is crucial for numerous physiological processes.

   The primary role of the parathyroids is to secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), also known as parathormone. This hormone helps regulate the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood by acting on the bone cells, kidneys, and intestines. It stimulates bone cells, known as osteoclasts, to release calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream. The parathyroids also have an impact on the kidneys by increasing the reabsorption of calcium and promoting the excretion of phosphate. Additionally, they influence the intestines to enhance the absorption of calcium from the diet.

   The importance of maintaining proper calcium and phosphate levels in the body cannot be understated. Calcium is involved in numerous vital functions, such as nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and bone strength. Imbalances in these levels can lead to various medical conditions, including osteoporosis, kidney stones, muscle spasms, and even potentially life-threatening conditions like hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia.

   Overall, the parathyroids play a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels, and any dysfunction or imbalance related to these glands can have significant implications on overall health and physiological function.

Common Misspellings for PARATHYROIDS

• parathyroides
• parthyroids
• paratyroids
• parathiroids
• parathryroids

Etymology of PARATHYROIDS

The word "parathyroids" is derived from the combination of two terms: "para-" and "thyroid".

The prefix "para-" comes from the Greek word "para", meaning "beside" or "near". In medical terminology, "para-" is often used to indicate a secondary or accessory structure located near a target organ.

The second part of the word, "thyroid", originates from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", meaning "shield-shaped". It refers to the shape of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck and has two lobes resembling a shield.

Therefore, "parathyroids" refers to four small pea-sized glands located near or beside the thyroid gland. These glands are called parathyroid glands because of their close anatomical proximity to the thyroid and their distinct function in regulating calcium levels in the body.

Similar spelling words for PARATHYROIDS

• parathormone,
• paratrooper,
• paratroops,
• parathyroid.