Difference between thyroid and parathyroid
The main difference between the thyroid and the parathyroid gland is that a thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped vascular organ found in the neck, on the other hand, the parathyroid glands are actually four small glands of the endocrine system also present in the neck behind the thyroid. gland and regulate calcium in our body.
Thyroid vs. Parathyroid
The thyroid gland also produces another hormone called calcitonin, and the parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is present in the neck, just below the laryngeal cartilage, while the parathyroid is present in the neck behind the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is brownish red in color, while the parathyroid gland is mustard yellow. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormone while the parathyroid gland secretes parathyroid hormone. The weight of the thyroid gland is approximately 15-25 g; On the other hand, the weight of the parathyroid is about 30 milligrams and has a diameter of 3-4 millimeters. The thyroid gland consists of two lobes, while the parathyroid gland has four.
Comparative chart
Thyroid | Parathyroid |
The thyroid gland is a vascular organ located in the neck. | The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands that regulate calcium in our body. |
Location | |
Present in the neck, just below the laryngeal cartilages. | Present in the neck behind the thyroid. |
Size | |
Each lobe of the thyroid is 4 to 6 cm long and 1.3 to 1.8 cm thick. | They are usually the size of a grain of rice, weighing about 30 milligrams, and are 3-4 millimeters in diameter. |
Colour | |
Brownish red | Mustard yellow |
Hormone production | |
Thyroxine, triiodothyronine, calcitonin | Parathyroid hormones |
Function | |
The body’s metabolism | Regulate the level of calcium in bones and blood. |
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped vascular organ found in the neck. It is made up of two lobes, one lobe on each side of the trachea, just below the larynx or larynx. These two lobes are connected by a small band of tissue known as the isthmus. Internally, the gland is made up of follicles, which produce two hormones like triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones consist of iodine. About 5 percent is triiodothyronine and 95 percent of active thyroid hormone is thyroxine. Both need iodine for their synthesis. The secretion of the thyroid gland is regulated by a negative feedback mechanism that involves the amount of circulating hormone, adenohypophysis and hypothalamus.
In the case of iodine deficiency, the thyroid cannot make enough hormone. This stimulates the anterior pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone, causing the thyroid gland to enlarge in a vain attempt to produce more hormones. But it cannot produce more hormones because it does not have the necessary raw material, iodine. This type of thyroid enlargement is called a simple goiter or iodine deficiency goiter. Thyroid hormones affect three fundamental physiological processes: cell differentiation, growth, and metabolism. The thyroid gland also makes another hormone called calcitonin.
Features
- Calcitonin produced by the thyroid participates in the control of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and has significant effects on bone physiology.
- The thyroid gland controls much of our body’s metabolism.
The parathyroid gland is of four and they are the part of the endocrine system that regulates the level of calcium in our body. They are found in the neck, just behind the thyroid gland, where they constantly monitor the level of calcium and also regulate the level of calcium in the blood. The parathyroid glands are normally the size of a grain of rice, but can be the size of a pea. Its color is mustard yellow. These glands also control the level of calcium in our bones, in our blood, and throughout our body. They regulate calcium through the production of parathyroid hormone. Calcium is an essential element in our body. Calcium also controls many organ systems in the body. Calcium is the only element in the body that has its own regulatory system: the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone or parathormone. Insufficient parathyroid hormone secretion can lead to increased nervous excitability. The low level of calcium in the blood can trigger continuous and spontaneous nerve impulses, which then stimulate muscle contraction.
Features
- The parathyroids control phosphorus homeostasis and have significant effects on bone physiology.
- The parathyroid glands also control the level of calcium in the blood and bones.
Key differences
- The thyroid gland is present below the laryngeal cartilage, on the other side, the parathyroid gland is present behind the thyroid gland.
- In color, the thyroid is brownish red and the parathyroid is mustard yellow.
- The weight of the thyroid gland is approximately 15-25 g, while the weight of the parathyroid is 30 milligrams.
- The thyroid gland controls the body’s metabolism, while the parathyroid gland controls the level of calcium in the blood and bones.
The conclusion of this article is that both the thyroid and the parathyroid are present in the neck that secretes the different hormones that maintain the metabolism and calcium level of our body.