parathyroid glands

Cultural

A set of four small glands on the undersurface of the thyroid gland that function in the endocrine system. The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She said she was tested after undergoing outpatient surgery involving the parathyroid glands in the neck that regulate calcium levels in the blood.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2021

The veteran lefty also missed part of spring training for surgery to remove one of his four parathyroid glands.

From Washington Post • Apr. 29, 2021

The disease, an overactivity in the parathyroid glands, can cause elevated levels of calcium in the blood and bone loss.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2014

The endoderm gives rise to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as the pancreas and the thymus.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Aquino has said his predecessor’s problems with her parathyroid glands don’t require treatment abroad and offered to fly in specialists for Arroyo.

From BusinessWeek • Nov. 18, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023