Anatomy and Function

Parathyroid Anatomy: Most people have four parathyroid glands located in the neck, in the region of the thyroid gland. Normal parathyroid glands are tiny, about the size of the inside of a sunflower seed. Abnormal parathyroid glands are enlarged, about the size of a grape. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which is responsible for controlling calcium metabolism. PTH regulates the deposition of calcium in the bones and excretion of calcium in the urine.