Adrenal gland
A number of endocrine diseases involve dysfunctions of the adrenal gland. Overproduction of cortisol leads to Cushing's syndrome, whereas insufficient production is associated with Addison's disease. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disease produced by dysregulation of endocrine control mechanisms. A variety of tumors can arise from adrenal tissue and are commonly found in medical imaging when searching for other diseases.
The adrenal glands are located on both sides of the body in the retroperitoneum, above and slightly medial to the kidneys. In humans, the right adrenal gland is pyramidal in shape, whereas the left is semilunar or crescent shaped and somewhat larger. The adrenal glands measure approximately 3 cm in width, 5.0 cm in length, and up to 1.0 cm in thickness. Their combined weight in an adult human ranges from 7 to 10 grams. The glands are yellowish in colour.
Parathyroid chief cell
The parathyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. Most individuals display four parathyroid glands adjacent to the thyroid gland anterior in the neck. The chief cells are organized as dense cords surrounding the capillaries in the parathyroid. The thyroid gland and parathyroid gland are closely tied together in the calcium pathway. The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: T3, T4, and calcitonin. When the calcium level in the blood is too high, calcitonin is secreted, and the level is lowered. Calcitonin does this by depositing calcium in the bones. PTH works inversely from calcitonin. When the level of calcium in the blood is too low, PTH is released, and the level of calcium is raised. Calcium is released from the bone storage. This trigger also retains calcium from the urine, and alerts the intestines to absorb more calcium from ingested nutrients. Too much of either hormone can be an indicator of disease.