NCIt synonyms : Head and Neck, Parathyroid; Parathyroid;
NCIt related terms : GLAND, PARATHYROID; Parathyroid structure (body structure);
NCIt definition : One of two small paired endocrine glands, superior and inferior, usually found embedded
in the connective tissue capsule on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland; these
glands secrete parathyroid hormone that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
The parenchyma is composed of chief and oxyphilic cells arranged in anastomosing cords.;
Alternative definition : CDISC: Endocrine gland, usually in close proximity to the thyroid gland, that produces
parathyroid hormone.;
NCIt note : Inadvertent removal of all parathyroid glands, as during thyroidectomy, produces tetany
and death.;