Surname 2
Question 2: Parathyroid Gland
Each of the four parathyroid glands in the human body is located in the neck behind the thyroid
(Goodenough and McGuire 267). A parathyroid gland controls the level of calcium in the body
by secreting a parathyroid hormone (PTH). The gland works like a thermostat to keep the levels
of calcium within a constant range. When the level of calcium ions in the blood is too low, the
parathyroid gland releases PTH to raise the calcium level up to normal. PTH raises the level of
calcium in the blood by breaking down a bone where most of the ions are stored. The hormone
also increases the capability of the kidney to keep more calcium that would be lost with urine
(Goodenough and McGuire 268). When the level of calcium is normal or high, parathyroid gland
stops releasing PTH.
Question 3: Decubitus Ulcer
Decubitus ulcers are damages to the skin or underlying tissue that occur over the bony area due
to pressure or friction. The most common sites for decubitus ulcers are hips, back, ankles and
buttocks (Macon and Solan). The disorder develops in stages, which helps the health
practitioners to diagnose and treat it. At the first stage, the skin is not broken, but it is discolored.
The area where decubitus ulcers have attacked may appear red if the skin has a light complexion.
The discoloration may be blue or purple if the skin has a dark complexion. At the second stage,
the skin is open and show signs of dead tissues around the wound (Macon and Solan). The ulcer
is shallow with a red or pink wound bed and might show some blisters filled with fluid. When
the ulcer reaches stage three, it deepens within the skin. It affects the subcutaneous layer and
may form a crater on the skin. The skin might also produce pus from the colored sores. The final
stage of development of decubitus ulcer is stage four where many layers of the skin are affected
including the muscles and bones. The sores might contain a dark substance known as eschar.
