Definition: The parathyroid glands are small glands located near the thyroid gland in the neck, and are responsible for monitoring and controlling the calcium levels in our blood. Calcium is an essential element for our nerves and muscles. If calcium levels are not within a specific range, our nerves and muscles will not function properly. When calcium levels are too low, the parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH) that instructs bone cells to release calcium. When there is too much calcium in the blood, the parathyroid glands cease PTH production.
Most people have four parathyroid hormones that are located beside the thyroid gland. While they share similar names and are located closely to one another, the thyroid and parathyroid are not dependent on each other to function.
Like other organs and glands in the body, the parathyroid is vulnerable to disease. Cancer can develop in the parathyroid glands, but is extremely rare, with only a handful of cases reported each year. Benign diseases such as hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism can also affect the parathyroid glands.
