In: Anatomy and Physiology
What surface of the thyroid gland is the parathyroid gland located?
The parathyroid glands are tiny, round structures usually found embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are usually located in the neck behind the thyroid gland, although there are exceptions. While the baby is developing inside the mother's womb, the four parathyroids travel from the head area down to the lower neck, and usually end up near the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are a group of endocrine glands located in the base of the neck. These glands play a vital role in maintaining the body's homeostasis by producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism and free calcium levels.The structure of a parathyroid gland is distinctly different from a thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland controls much of our body's metabolism, but the parathyroid glands control body calcium.
The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands. Each gland is about the size of a grain of rice (weighs approximately 30 milligrams and is 3-4 millimeters in diameter). The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). When the calcium in our blood goes too low, the parathyroid glands make more PTH. Increased PTH causes the body to put more calcium into the blood. Increased PTH causes the bones to release their calcium into the blood.