TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH

Search the
latest
treatment
information
here.

Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist

Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.

Organs » Parathyroid gland

Parathyroid gland

Descriptions of Parathyroid gland

Parathyroid gland: One of four pea-sized glands found on the thyroid. The parathyroid hormone produced by these glands increases the calcium level in the blood.
Source: National Institute of Health

Parathyroid gland: any one of four endocrine glands situated above or within the thyroid gland
Source: WordNet 2.1

Parathyroid gland : small paired endocrine glands in the region of the thyroid gland which secrete parathyroid hormone and are concerned with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
Source: CRISP

Parathyroid gland : Two small paired endocrine glands in the region of the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroid hormone and are concerned with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
Source: MESH OBO (Open Biomedical Ontologies)

Article Excerpts about Parathyroid gland

The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands located on the thyroid gland in the neck . Occasionally, a person is born with one or more of the parathyroid glands embedded in the thyroid, the thymus, or elsewhere in the chest. In most such cases, however, the glands function normally.

Though their names are similar, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are entirely separate glands, each producing distinct hormones with specific functions. The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), a substance that helps maintain the correct balance of calcium and phosphorous in the body. PTH regulates release of the calcium from bone, absorption of calcium in the intestine, and excretion of calcium in the urine.

When the amount of calcium in the blood falls too low, the parathyroid glands secrete just enough PTH to restore the balance. (Source: excerpt from Hyperparathyroidism: NIDDK)