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Home » Science » Biology » Human Anatomy » Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid
Key terms: Calcium Ion Level, Endocrine Glands, Hormones, Metabolism, Parathyroid, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH),
Thyroid, Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4)
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
What is Thyroid
Thyroid is a large, ductless gland that produces and secretes hormones to regulate growth and development by
regulating the rate of metabolism. It is a butterfly-shaped gland, located at the base of the neck. The gland is 2-inches
long. The two lobes the thyroid lie on either side of the trachea. These lobes are connected by a structure called
isthmus. The anatomy of the thyroid is shown in figure 1.
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
Figure 1: Thyroid
The main function of the thyroid gland is to regulate the metabolism of the body. For this purpose, the thyroid gland
produces, stores, and secretes hormones, acting as an endocrine gland. The production of hormones by the thyroid
gland requires iodine. The two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
These two hormones travel through the blood to reach metabolizing cells in the body. The thyroid system is shown in
figure 2.
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
The breathing, heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, body temperature, cholesterol level, menstrual cycle, etc. are
the body functions regulated by the thyroid hormones.
What is Parathyroid
Parathyroid is a gland next to the thyroid, which regulates the calcium levels in the body. The normal size of a
parathyroid gland is the size of a rice grain. Normally, parathyroid gland is mustard-yellow color. Ideally, four
parathyroid glands occur on the posterior side of the thyroid gland. The anatomy of the parathyroid gland is shown in
figure 3.
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
Figure 3: Parathyroid
The main function of the parathyroid gland is to regulate the calcium level in the blood within a very narrow range.
The hormone secreted by the parathyroid is the parathyroid hormone (PTH). The normal calcium ion concentration in
blood is 8.5–10.5 mg/dL. In a deficiency of calcium in the blood, the PTH release calcium ions from bones. When the
calcium ion concentration is high in the blood, the excess calcium is deposited in the bones. The parathyroid system is
shown in figure 4.
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
Calcium is the only type of electrolytes in the body regulated by a hormone. It provides the electrical energy to the
nervous system and the muscular system.
Parathyroid: Parathyroid is a gland next to the thyroid, which regulates the calcium levels in the body.
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
Location
Thyroid: Thyroid lies in front of the trachea, just below the larynx.
Parathyroid: Parathyroid glands are physically attached to the capsule of the thyroid gland at its posterior side.
Number of Glands
Thyroid: There is only one thyroid gland in the body.
Shape
Thyroid: Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland.
Color
Thyroid: The color of the thyroid gland is brownish-red.
Types of Hormones
Thyroid: The two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Function
Thyroid: Thyroid hormones regulate the rate of metabolism in the body.
Parathyroid: Parathyroid hormones regulate the concentration of calcium ions in the blood.
Conclusion
Thyroid and parathyroid are two endocrine glands located at the base of the neck. Thyroid gland secretes two
hormones that regulate the rate of metabolism of the body. Parathyroid secretes a hormone that regulates the calcium
ion concentration in the blood. Therefore, the main difference between thyroid and parathyroid is the function of the
hormones which are secreted by each gland.
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
Reference:
1.“ Thyroid Gland, How it Functions, Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.” EndocrineWeb, Available
here.
2.“Introduction to Parathyroid Glands.” Parathyroid.com and hyperparathyroidism, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Illu08 thyroid” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Thyroid system” By Mikael Häggström (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “Illu thyroid parathyroid” Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
4. “Calcium regulation” By Mikael Häggström – (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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10/30/2017 Difference Between Thyroid and Parathyroid | Definition, Anatomy, Physiology, Function
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