Parathyroid artery

Parathyroid artery is an artery that supplies blood to the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone. There are typically four parathyroid glands, which are usually located behind the thyroid and, in rare cases, within the thyroid itself or in the chest.

Etymology

The term "parathyroid" was coined by the Swedish anatomist Ivar Sandström in 1880. The word "parathyroid" is derived from the Greek words "para", meaning "beside", and "thyroid", referring to the gland's proximity to the thyroid.

Anatomy

The parathyroid arteries are usually branches of the inferior thyroid arteries, but they can also arise from the thyrocervical trunk, the superior thyroid artery, or the aorta. They are typically four in number, corresponding to the usual number of parathyroid glands, but there can be more or fewer parathyroid arteries depending on the number and location of the glands.

Function

The parathyroid arteries supply blood to the parathyroid glands. The glands need a constant supply of blood to produce and release parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body's calcium and phosphate levels.

Clinical significance

Damage to the parathyroid arteries during thyroid or parathyroid surgery can lead to hypoparathyroidism, a condition characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle cramps, tingling in the lips and fingers, and, in severe cases, seizures.

See also

• Parathyroid gland
• Parathyroid hormone
• Hypoparathyroidism

References

Parathyroid artery Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia