Encyclopedia of Cancer

2009 Edition
| Editors: Manfred Schwab

Parathyroid Glands

Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-47648-1_4388

Definition

Consist of usually two pairs of endocrine glands, situated near the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone – parathyroid hormone (PTH) – which acts on the kidneys and bone to regulate calcium in the extracellular fluid.

 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York 2008