1. PARATHYROID GLAND by John DeMarco Kristian Cortez Michael Butler
Jackie Apodaca
Gissel Gamboa
Period 3

2. Location of Organ
RESEARCHED BY MICHAEL BUTLER
Located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland
there are four parathyroid glands
-a superior and an inferior gland on
each of the thyroid’s lateral lobes

3. Basic Anatomy of Organ
RESEARCHED BY MICHAEL BUTLER
composed of two glands: Superior & Inferior portions
distinct encapsulated smooth surface
typically light brown in color, relating to their fat content
composed of closely packed epithelial cells separated by thin fibrous bands

4. General Function controls the body’s calcium levels
RESEARCHED BY JOHN DeMARCO
controls the body’s calcium levels
produces Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
PTH raises the blood calcium level by:
#1. Breaking down the bone and causing calcium release.
#2. Increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium from food
#3. Increasing the kidney’s ability to hold on to calcium that would
otherwise be lost in the urine

5. works like a thermostat to keep blood calcium levels in a tightly controlled range
when levels drop too low, PTH is released to bring it back up
when levels are normal or too high, PTH is stopped from releasing
proper calcium balance is crucial function of the heart, nervous system, kidneys, and bones

6. Diseases of Parathyroid
RESEARCHED BY KRISTIAN CORTEZ
Hyperparathyroidism
caused by a tumor that grows on the gland
is a destructive disease that causes high blood calcium levels
high blood calcium leads to serious health problems and even could cause a parly death

7. Parathyroid Cancer
REASERCHED BY KRISTIAN CORTEZ
Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the parathyroid gland
signs and symptoms of parathyroid cancer (some):
#1: Weakness/tiredness
#2: lumps in/on neck
#3: Nausea and vomiting.
#4: Weight loss for no known reason.
#5: Unable to think clearly

8. Work Cited
Sheir, D.; Butler, J. & Lewis, R. (209). Parathyroid Gland. In Hole’s Essential of Human Anatomy & Physiology. (p 301). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Parathyroid Glands, Hyperparathyroidism, and Parathyroid Surgery. Norman Parathyroid Center WEB. 22 Feb
“Parathyroid Cancer Treatment.” National Cancer Institute. n.p. 2 July WEB. 22 Feb. 2016
“Parathyroid Glands: Function.” The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. Patient Education Site, n.d. WEB. 22 Feb. 2016
Utiger, Robert D. “Parathyroid Gland: Anatomy.” Encyclopedia Britannica. n.d. WEB. 22 Feb 2016.