The health library is currently experiencing some technical difficulties. We are working to resolve the issues now and apologize for the inconvenience.
The Parathyroid Glands
Anatomy of the parathyroid glands
The parathyroid glands are 4 small, oval-shaped glands. They are located next to the 2 thyroid gland lobes in the neck. Each gland is often about the size of a pea.
Function of the parathyroid glands
Parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. Precise calcium levels are important because small changes can cause muscle and nerve problems.
PTH stimulates these functions:
-
Release of calcium by bones into the bloodstream, which affects bone density and strength
-
Calcium absorption from food by the intestines
-
Calcium conservation by the kidneys
-
Kidney cell stimulation, which changes the weaker forms of vitamin D into the form that is strongest at absorbing calcium from the intestines