parathyroid glands
Secrete hormones, important to regulation of calcium ion levels in body fluids
Parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized glands located in the neck region, behind the thyroid gland. In humans, there are four parathyroid glands – two located on each side of the thyroid gland. These glands play a crucial role in regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are vital for various bodily functions such as bone health, nerve and muscle function, and blood clotting.
The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps to increase the levels of calcium in the blood by stimulating the release of calcium from the bones and increasing the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys. PTH also suppresses the reabsorption of phosphorus in the kidneys, which leads to increased excretion of phosphorus in the urine.
When the levels of calcium in the blood are too low, the parathyroid glands release more PTH, which triggers a series of reactions that ultimately result in the increase of calcium levels in the blood. Conversely, when calcium levels are too high, PTH production is inhibited, leading to a decrease in the release of calcium from the bones and an increase in the excretion of calcium in the urine.
Dysfunction of the parathyroid glands can result in disorders such as hyperparathyroidism (overproduction of PTH) or hypoparathyroidism (underproduction of PTH). These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms such as bone pain, muscle weakness, kidney stones, and cardiovascular complications. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the disorder, but may include medication, surgery, or calcium and vitamin D supplements.
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