Word parts
What it means
Four pea-sized glands on the back of the thyroid gland in the neck. They make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which raises the blood calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry level: it moves calcium out of bone, keeps more in the kidneys and, with vitamin D, helps the gut take it in. Too little hormone lowers the calcium level; too much raises it and weakens the bones.
For the nurse
Thyroid or parathyroid surgery can injure or remove the glands. Afterward, watch for signs of low calcium: tingling around the mouth or in the fingers, muscle cramps and tetanyTET-uh-neeInvoluntary muscle cramps and spasms that come from nerves firing too easily.Full entry . Report them at once.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | PTH (parathyroid hormone) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | glándula paratiroides |
| Also written | parathyroid glands, parathyroid, parathyroids |
Related terms
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
para-
A word beginning that means beside, near, beyond or abnormal.
gland
An organ or group of cells that makes and releases a substance the body uses, such as a hormone, sweat or saliva.
tetany
Involuntary muscle cramps and spasms that come from nerves firing too easily.