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Parathyroid Gland: What They Are, Function, Location, Levels, Symptoms & Causes

Parathyroid Gland: What They Are, Function, Location, Levels, Symptoms & Causes

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 06:50 PM IST

The parathyroid glands are small, pea-shaped glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. They play a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). This regulation is vital for maintaining bone health, muscle function, and nerve signalling. In this article, the parathyroid gland, anatomy of the parathyroid gland, physiology of the parathyroid gland, hormones of the parathyroid gland, parathyroid gland disorders, and treatment are discussed. Parathyroid Gland is a topic of the chapter Chemical Coordination and Integration chapter of Biology.

This Story also Contains

  1. What is the Parathyroid Gland?
  2. Anatomy of Parathyroid Gland
  3. Physiology of The Parathyroid Gland
  4. Hormones of the Parathyroid Gland
  5. Parathyroid Gland Disorders
  6. Treatment
Parathyroid Gland: What They Are, Function, Location, Levels, Symptoms & Causes
Parathyroid Gland

What is the Parathyroid Gland?

A small, four-lobed endocrine gland behind the thyroid in the neck, the parathyroid gland is an organ whose main function includes the regulation of the calcium levels in the body via the parathyroid hormone. It does perform very vital functions to maintain bone health and proper neuromuscular functioning.

Anatomy of Parathyroid Gland

Understanding the anatomy of the parathyroid gland is also essential to its function and role in the human body.

Location

The parathyroids are glands in your neck, next to the thyroid.

  • Generally found on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.

  • Four parathyroid glands can normally be found in every person.

Structure

  • Small, pea-shaped glands.

  • Oval or beaked shape.

  • Comprised of chief cells and oxyphil cells, the cell types that produce the hormones.

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Physiology of The Parathyroid Gland

To understand its effect on calcium homeostasis, the physiology of the parathyroid gland has to be appreciated.

Function

  • The blood concentration of calcium is maintained within a narrow range.

  • The parathyroid hormone is produced and secreted.

  • Optimum functioning of bones, muscles, and nerves.

Mechanism of Action

  • Actions of PTH on bones, kidneys, and intestines maintain calcium and phosphate concentration.

  • PTH causes bone resorption for the release of calcium into the bloodstream.

  • Increases kidney calcium reabsorption and intestinal calcium absorption.

Hormones of the Parathyroid Gland

The hormones of the parathyroid gland are mentioned below-

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Parathyroid hormone is another vital hormone released by the parathyroid glands. It also has a primary function in the regulation of calcium.

Synthesis and Secretion

  • PTH is synthesised within the chief cells of the parathyroid glands.

  • The primary stimulator for PTH secretion is low blood levels of calcium.

Actions of PTH

  • Raises blood calcium levels through the promotion of bone resorption.

  • Increases absorption by the intestine.

  • Lowers excretion by the kidneys.

Parathyroid Gland Disorders

Dysfunction of the parathyroid gland can lead to severe medical conditions as PTH plays a critical role in the regulation of bodily calcium levels.

Hyperparathyroidism

  • Primary due to a problem within the gland itself.

  • Secondary due to another condition, such as kidney failure.

  • Tertiary due to prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism

  • Weak bones, kidney stones, fatigue, depression.

  • Tests to Diagnose: Blood tests (Calcium, PTH levels) Imaging studies

  • Treatment: surgery medications, monitoring of the amount of calcium intake.

Hypoparathyroidism

  • Causes: Autoimmune diseases, surgical removal, genetic disorders.

  • Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tingling seizures, dry skin.

  • Diagnosis: Blood test, low Ca, low PTH level, clinical assessment.

  • Treatment: Calcium and vitamin D drugs to relieve symptoms.

  • Successful treatment of parathyroid disorders needs to be both surgical and medical.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is hyperparathyroidism?
A:
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood. This can result from a benign tumor, gland enlargement, or other factors affecting parathyroid function.
Q: What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?
A:
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can include fatigue, weakness, bone pain, kidney stones, frequent urination, depression, and cognitive issues. However, some people may not experience noticeable symptoms, especially in mild cases.
Q: What is hypoparathyroidism?
A:
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce insufficient PTH, leading to low calcium levels in the blood. This can result from surgical removal of the glands, autoimmune disorders, or genetic factors.
Q: What are the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism?
A:
Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism can include muscle cramps, tingling in the fingers and toes, seizures, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms are primarily due to low calcium levels in the blood.
Q: What is the relationship between the parathyroid glands and osteoporosis?
A:
Chronic overactivity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) can lead to excessive bone resorption, contributing to osteoporosis. Conversely, proper parathyroid function is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.

Treatment

The treatment is described below-

Surgical Management

  • Parathyroidectomy: Primary hyperparathyroidism or adenomas

  • Surgery involves the removal of one or more parathyroid glands.

  • Monitoring of calcium levels, and assurance of adequate calcium intake.

Medical Management

  • Medications: Calcium level management medications include calcium supplements and vitamin D analogues

  • Lifestyle changes: A well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium and regular exercise

  • Diet: The intake of the patient about calcium and vitamin D must be adequate for maintaining bone health.

Newer Treatments

  • Gene therapy: Gene therapy might prove to be a future treatment for genetic malfunctions caused by parathyroid disorders

Prevention

  • Parathyroid disorders can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, and keeping a check on calcium levels.

Dietary Recommendations

  • Calcium-rich foods: Milk and milk products, green vegetables, nuts, seeds.

  • Vitamin D-rich foods: Fatty fish, fortified foods, supplements.

Monitoring

  • Blood tests to check for calcium and PTH levels

  • Management of any features of calcium imbalance at an early stage.

Also Read:

Mechanism of Hormone ActionHormone Receptors
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Medulla
Difference between Thyroid and ParathyroidAdrenal Insufficiency

Recommended Video on Parathyroid Gland


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the relationship between parathyroid function and circadian rhythms?
A:
Parathyroid function exhibits a circadian rhythm, with PTH levels typically higher at night and lower during the day. This rhythm aligns with other physiological processes and helps optimize calcium metabolism and bone remodeling over the 24-hour cycle.
Q: How do parathyroid glands influence the body's response to altitude changes?
A:
At high altitudes, the body's acid-base balance can be altered due to respiratory changes. Parathyroid glands may respond by adjusting PTH secretion to help maintain calcium homeostasis and contribute to the overall adaptation to altitude-induced physiological changes.
Q: What is the connection between parathyroid function and dental health?
A:
Parathyroid function affects dental health through its regulation of calcium metabolism. Proper calcium levels are crucial for tooth mineralization and jaw bone density. Parathyroid disorders can potentially impact tooth strength and increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Q: What is the role of parathyroid hormone in regulating vitamin D metabolism?
A:
PTH plays a crucial role in vitamin D metabolism by stimulating the production of the enzyme 1-α-hydroxylase in the kidneys. This enzyme converts vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol, which is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines and overall calcium homeostasis.
Q: How do parathyroid glands contribute to electrolyte balance beyond calcium?
A:
While primarily regulating calcium, parathyroid glands also influence other electrolytes. PTH increases renal excretion of phosphate and affects magnesium reabsorption. This broader influence on electrolyte balance is crucial for maintaining overall physiological homeostasis.
Q: What is the relationship between parathyroid function and bone marrow?
A:
Parathyroid function influences bone marrow through its effects on bone metabolism. PTH stimulates bone remodeling, which can affect the bone marrow microenvironment. This interaction is important for maintaining the balance between bone formation and hematopoiesis (blood cell production).
Q: How do parathyroid glands respond to acute injury or stress?
A:
In response to acute injury or stress, parathyroid glands may increase PTH secretion. This helps mobilize calcium for various physiological processes involved in the stress response and tissue repair, including blood clotting and cellular signaling.
Q: What is the connection between parathyroid function and sleep disorders?
A:
Parathyroid dysfunction, particularly hyperparathyroidism, has been associated with sleep disturbances. Elevated calcium levels can interfere with sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia. Conversely, proper parathyroid function supports the regulation of sleep-wake cycles.
Q: What is the role of parathyroid hormone in wound healing?
A:
Parathyroid hormone plays a role in wound healing by influencing calcium metabolism and bone remodeling. PTH can promote the formation of new blood vessels and stimulate the production of growth factors that are important for tissue repair and regeneration.
Q: How do parathyroid glands respond to changes in blood phosphate levels?
A:
While parathyroid glands primarily respond to calcium levels, they also react to changes in blood phosphate. High phosphate levels can stimulate PTH secretion, which in turn increases phosphate excretion through the kidneys, helping to maintain the calcium-phosphate balance.
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