Parathyroid gland

The **parathyroid gland** is a small, typically four-part endocrine organ located posterior to the thyroid gland in the neck. Its main function is to produce and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is critical for the regulation of blood calcium and phosphate levels. PTH acts on bones, kidneys, and the gut to increase serum calcium when levels fall below physiological thresholds. Dysfunction of the parathyroid glands can lead to diseases such as hyperparathyroidism (excess PTH, causing high blood calcium) and hypoparathyroidism (insufficient PTH, causing low blood calcium)[1][3][4][6]. Key point: The "Parathyroid gland" is a tissue/organ, not a pharmacologic target or molecule. The true therapeutic target in related contexts is usually **parathyroid hormone (PTH)** or the **calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)**[1][4]. This entry is marked as incorrect as a "target" per your convention, but relevant disease and function information is provided as context.

Other names

Parathyroid glandsGlandulae parathyreoideae (Latin)