parathyroid glands

WP

The parathyroid glands are named for their proximity to the thyroid but serve a completely different role than the thyroid gland.

The parathyroid glands are quite easily recognizable from the thyroid as they have densely packed cells, in contrast with the follicular structure of the thyroid.

Several types of cells are present in the parathyroid gland:
 chief cells
 They synthesize and release parathyroid hormone (PTH).

• These cells are small, and appear dark when loaded with parathyroid hormone, and clear when the hormone has been secreted, or in their resting state.

 oxyphil cells

• They are lighter in appearance and increase in number with age, have an unknown function.

 water-clear cells
 transitional cells

Images

 https://twitter.com/chioseasi/status/715148333304717312

Pathology

 malformations
 parathyroid anomalies

• hyperparathyroidism

 parathyroid lesions
 parathyroid diseases

• parathyroid hyperplasia

 parathyroid tumors

• parathyroid adenoma
• parathyroid carcinoma

Videos

 Histology of the parathyroid gland (by Washington Deceit)

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See also

 endocrine system