Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are four small oval bodies located on either side of, and on, the dorsal aspect of the thyroid gland. These glands control the level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is important, not only for bones and teeth, but also for nerve functioning, muscle contractions, blood clotting and glandular secretion. If we don't have enough calcium for these functions, the body will take it from the bones, causing them to weaken and increasing the risk of fracture. Calcium deficiency...

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Anatomy Terms

Clavicle
Cricoid Cartilage
Cricothyroid Joint
Cricothyroid Ligament
Esophagus
External Carotid Artery
Facial Artery
Facial Vein
Hyoid Bone
Internal Carotid Artery
Left Common Carotid Artery
Left External Jugular Vein
Left Internal Jugular Vein
Left Subclavian Artery
Left Subclavian Vein
Lining of Trachea
Parathyroid Glands
Right Common Carotid Artery
Right External Jugular Vein
Right Internal Jugular Vein
Right Subclavian Artery
Right Subclavian Vein
Skull
Spine
Thyroid Cartilage
Thyroid Gland
Trachea (Windpipe)
True Ribs
Vertebral Artery

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Full Parathyroid Glands Description

[Continued from above] . . . may also cause twitching, spasms, convulsions and even death, while too much calcium can lead to a weakening of muscle tone and kidney stones.