parathyroid gland

The parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized glands located behind the thyroid in your neck. Their main role is to produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood. Proper calcium balance is essential for healthy bones, muscle function, and nerve signaling. When calcium levels drop, the parathyroid glands release more PTH to increase calcium in the blood by pulling it from bones, absorbing more from food, or reducing how much is excreted by your kidneys. They work closely with other glands to maintain stable calcium levels, vital for overall body function.