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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:
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Release of calcium by bones into the bloodstream, which affects bone density and strength
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Calcium absorption from food by the intestines
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Calcium conservation by the kidneys
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Kidney cell stimulation, which changes the weaker forms of vitamin D into the form that is strongest at absorbing calcium from the intestines
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Robert Hurd MD
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2022
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