Parathyroids
Definition
The parathyroids are four tiny glands, located in the neck, that produce the parathyroid hormone. This hormone regulates the body's calcium levels.
Analogy
Think of parathyroids as a team of construction site managers. They don't do the actual work but they oversee and regulate how much calcium (the workers) is in your bloodstream (the construction site).
Related terms
Calcitonin: This hormone works opposite to parathyroid hormone, it lowers blood calcium levels by storing it in bones.
Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones due to loss of bone mass which can be caused by imbalance in regulation of calcium.
Endocrine Glands: These are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are examples of endocrine glands.
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