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Related Concept Videos

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate01:27

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
The Parathyroid Glands00:59

The Parathyroid Glands

The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin00:51

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
03:57

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Serum phosphate predicts temporary hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy.

Amir H Sam1, W S Dhillo, M Donaldson

  • 1Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Clinical Endocrinology
|December 15, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Serum phosphate levels reliably predict temporary hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy in patients without vitamin D deficiency. This accessible measurement can aid in safe same-day patient discharge.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
03:57

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Surgical Outcomes
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Temporary hypocalcaemia affects up to 40% of patients post-thyroidectomy.
  • Current prediction methods (serum calcium, parathyroid hormone) have limitations.
  • Serum phosphate is a readily available alternative predictor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate serum phosphate as a predictor of temporary hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.
  • To assess the utility of serum phosphate in facilitating early patient discharge.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 111 thyroidectomy patients.
  • Serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D levels were measured.
  • Patients were monitored for hypocalcaemia development and treatment requirements.

Main Results:

  • An overnight rise in serum phosphate to >1.44 mmol/l on day 1 showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for predicting hypocalcaemia in patients with adequate vitamin D.
  • Patients without hypocalcaemia had lower day 1 morning phosphate levels compared to evening levels.
  • Patients with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/l) exhibited an attenuated phosphate rise.

Conclusions:

  • Serum phosphate is a reliable predictor of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in non-vitamin D deficient patients.
  • Serum phosphate measurement can support safe day 1 discharge protocols.
  • This accessible biomarker enhances post-surgical monitoring strategies.