OBJECTIVES

Describe the Anatomy of the Parathyroid Gland.

Describe the Microscopic Features of the Parathyroid Gland.

Anatomy Of The Parathyroid Gland

Parathyroid glands

There are 4 small parathyroid gland ,two embedded in the posterior surface of each lobe of the thyroid gland

The glands are small, ovoid, in shape, yellowish in color, usually lie external to the fibrous thyroid capsule .

Comparing between superior and inferior parathyroid gland

Superior parathyroid gland

Inferior parathyroid gland

Location Lie at the level of the middle of the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.

Usually lie close to the inferior poles of the thyroid gland.

Position More constant in its position

Variable in its position :

Size Small Large

Blood supply

Blood Supply Arterial supply:• Inferior thyroid artery which branched

from the thyro-cervical trunk.

Venous drainage:• The Inferior thyroid veins

Lymph Drainage• The lymph of gland

drains into the lower Deep cervical LN. and paratracheal LN.

Nerve Supply • It’s mostly superior

or middle cervical sympathetic ganglia.

Microscopic Features Of The Parathyroid

Gland

The Parathyroid Gland

PT: Parathyroid

GlandT :Thyroid

GlandS :Fibrous

SeptaL : Lymphocyte

s

Cont.

• This micrograph shows a parathyroid gland characteristically embedded in the thyroid gland or within its capsule.

• The thin fibrous capsule of the parathyroid gland gives rise to delicate septa which divide the parenchyma into nodules of secretory cells .Also the septa carry blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves.

• Note when you see some infiltration of the thyroid by lymphocytes that lead to common feature of the ageing thyroid gland.

The Parathyroid Gland

AAdipose

tissue

PChief cells

CCapillarie

s

OOxyphil

cells

Picture A

• This micrograph shows the glandular elements intermixed with adipose tissue

• The glandular cells are of two types: • Chief or Principal Cells and Oxyphil Cells.• They are arranged as clusters, ribbons. • Note the many delicate capillaries between

the nests of endocrine cells.• A reticular connective tissue fram work

surrounds and supports these cells

Picture B

• This micrograph show the chief cells which small with round central nuclei and pale eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm. These are the cells which synthesise and secrete Parathyroid Hormone ( PTH ).

• Oxyphil cells which big cells that tend to occur in nodules, have copious eosinophilic cytoplasm that ultrastructurally is seen to be packed with mitochondria. These cells do not secrete PTH and increase in number with age. Their function is not know.

• Note the many delicate capillaries between the nests of endocrine cells.