Four small glands located behind the thyroid that regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood by producing parathyroid hormone. They are essential for bone health and proper muscle and nerve function.
From Greek 'para' meaning beside and 'thyreos' meaning shield, named in the 1880s when they were discovered next to the thyroid gland. They were among the last major glands to be identified due to their tiny size and hidden location.
These tiny glands are like calcium control centers - each one is smaller than a grain of rice, yet they precisely regulate calcium levels that are critical for everything from bone strength to heart rhythm! They're so sensitive they can detect calcium changes of just 0.1 mg/dL in your blood.
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