Parathyroid gland
The parathyroids consist of two pairs of glands embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Like most endocrine glands, the parenchymal cells of the parathyroid are arranged in plates with large numbers of intervening fenestrated capillaries. Two cell types are present, chief or principal cells and oxyphils. Principal cells predominate and secrete parathyroid hormone, which raises blood calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone secretion is regulated by blood calcium levels. The function of oxyphil cells, the minor cell type, is unclear. 100x
Principal cells
The parathyroids consist of two pairs of glands embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Like most endocrine glands, the parenchymal cells of the parathyroid are arranged in plates with large numbers of intervening fenestrated capillaries. Two cell types are present, chief or principal cells and oxyphils. Principal cells predominate and secrete parathyroid hormone, which raises blood calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone secretion is regulated by blood calcium levels. The function of oxyphil cells, the minor cell type, is unclear. 100x
Oxyphil cells
The parathyroids consist of two pairs of glands embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Like most endocrine glands, the parenchymal cells of the parathyroid are arranged in plates with large numbers of intervening fenestrated capillaries. Two cell types are present, chief or principal cells and oxyphils. Principal cells predominate and secrete parathyroid hormone, which raises blood calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone secretion is regulated by blood calcium levels. The function of oxyphil cells, the minor cell type, is unclear. 100x
Image source >
This image was taken of a slide on the Virtual Microscopy Laboratory website (www.histologyguide.com).
