# What are the parathyroid glands and what is their function in the body?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism
Language: en
Category: general
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.577Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.577Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism

## What are the parathyroid glands?

The parathyroid glands are four very small glands, about the size of a pea, located in the neck near or on the thyroid gland. Despite the similarity in their names, the parathyroid glands and the thyroid gland are entirely distinct entities with separate functions in the body [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S1>).

## Function of the parathyroid glands

The primary and sole function of the parathyroid glands is to produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone plays a vital role in maintaining the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S1>). Calcium is essential for bone and dental health; it also helps the heart, muscles, and nerves function normally [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S3>).

## How does parathyroid hormone (PTH) work?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) works to raise calcium levels in the blood in three main ways:

- **Releasing calcium from bones:** The hormone stimulates bones, where most of the body's calcium is stored, to release calcium into the bloodstream [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S3>).

  
- **Absorbing calcium from food:** It helps the intestines absorb more calcium from the food we eat [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S2>).

  
- **Reabsorbing calcium in the kidneys:** It helps the kidneys retain calcium and return it to the blood rather than excreting it in urine [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S3>).

When calcium levels in the blood drop, the parathyroid glands release enough PTH to return calcium levels to normal. Similarly, when calcium levels are high, PTH secretion decreases to maintain balance [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S3>).

## The importance of calcium balance

Maintaining balanced calcium and phosphorus levels is critical for overall health. Any disruption in parathyroid hormone secretion, whether too much or too little, can affect this balance and lead to health problems. For example, if the parathyroid glands secrete an excessive amount of PTH, blood calcium levels rise, a condition known as hyperparathyroidism [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S1>). This elevation may lead to thinning bones and kidney stones [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S3>).

## When should you see a doctor?

Given the importance of the parathyroid glands in regulating calcium, any symptoms suggesting a disorder warrant medical evaluation. If you experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, or difficulty thinking clearly, these may be signs of high calcium associated with hyperparathyroidism [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#source-S2>). Early diagnosis through [high calcium testing (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/hyperparathyroidism-diagnosis-high-calcium-treatment>) and appropriate treatment can prevent serious complications. It is always advised to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate symptoms and perform necessary tests.

## Medical references

- [Parathyroid Disorders](<https://medlineplus.gov/parathyroiddisorders.html>)

- [Primary Hyperparathyroidism](<https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/primary-hyperparathyroidism>)

- [Parathyroid Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version](<https://www.cancer.gov/types/parathyroid/patient/parathyroid-treatment-pdq>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-alghudhad-jarat-aldaraqiya-wama-wazifatuha-fi-aljism#answer