The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck, usually located behind the thyroid gland, which produce parathyroid hormone. In rare cases the parathyroid glands are located within the thyroid glands. Most often there are four parathyroid glands but some people have six or even eight.

Anatomy

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The parathyroid glands are four small glands located on the posterior (closer to the back) surface of the thyroid gland. They distinguish themselves from the thyroid gland histologically as they contain two types of cells- parathyroid chief cells and oxyphil cells. Quite easily recognizable from the thyroid as it has densly packed cell as contrasted by the follicle structure of the thyroid.

Physiology

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Parathyroid hormone is a small protein that takes part in the control of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, as well as bone physiology. When blood calcium levels drop below a certain point, calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid gland are activated to release hormone into the blood. It then stimulates osteoclasts to break down bone and release calcium into the blood. The sole purpose of the parathyroid glands is to regulate the calcium level in our bodies within a very narrow range so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.

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