parathyroid gland

parathyroid gland The gland that regulates calcium metabolism. The parathyroid gland is located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. It secretes a hormone called parathormone that is critical to the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Although the number of parathyroid glands can vary, most people have four. The parathyroid glands appear as a pair, one above the other, on each side of the thyroid gland, and they are plastered against the back of the thyroid gland. These glands are therefore at risk for being accidentally removed during thyroidectomy. See also parathormone.