Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

This section will consider the role of the thyroid and parathyroid glands within the endocrine system.

The thyroid gland is a ductless alveolar gland found in the neck. It has a number of important functions as it is one of the main regulators of the body’s metabolism. Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 help to regulate basal metabolic rate, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, protein synthesis, lipogenesis and thermogenesis.

The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located in the anterior neck, on the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland. They are responsible for the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is responsible for regulating calcium levels within the body.