Answer
**Anatomy of the Parathyroid Glands:**
The parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized endocrine glands located near the thyroid gland in the neck. Most people have four parathyroid glands, but the number can vary. Despite their proximity to the thyroid, the parathyroid glands have distinct functions and hormone production.
**Hormone and Function:**
The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), also known as parathormone. PTH plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Its main functions include:
1. **Calcium Regulation:** PTH primarily acts to increase blood calcium levels. It does this through several mechanisms:
- **Bone Resorption:**
Work Step by Step
**Anatomy of the Parathyroid Glands:**
The parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized endocrine glands located near the thyroid gland in the neck. Most people have four parathyroid glands, but the number can vary. Despite their proximity to the thyroid, the parathyroid glands have distinct functions and hormone production.
**Hormone and Function:**
The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), also known as parathormone. PTH plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Its main functions include:
1. **Calcium Regulation:** PTH primarily acts to increase blood calcium levels. It does this through several mechanisms:
- **Bone Resorption:**