• (gland, parathyroid) Endocrine gland, usually in close proximity to the thyroid gland, that produces parathyroid hormone.
  CDISC Terminology
  Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
• 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.
  NCI
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• Small paired endocrine glands in the region of the thyroid gland which secrete parathyroid hormone and are concerned with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
  CRISP Thesaurus
  National Institutes of Health, 2006
• Glands responsible for releasing a hormone that controls calcium levels and influences bone loss and growth.
  Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
  Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
• Two pairs of small oval-shaped glands located in the front and the base of the NECK and adjacent to the two lobes of THYROID GLAND. They secrete PARATHYROID HORMONE that regulates the balance of CALCIUM; PHOSPHORUS; and MAGNESIUM in the body.
  NLM Medical Subject Headings
  U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
• Four parathyroid glands are found near the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland. They are small (20-40 mg) and have a beanlike shape.
  Medscape
  WebMD, 2025
• Parathyroid gland, endocrine gland occurring in all vertebrate species from amphibia upward, usually located close to and behind the thyroid gland. Humans usually have four parathyroid glands, each composed of closely packed epithelial cells separated by thin fibrous bands and some fat cells. The...
  Encyclopedia Britannica
  Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025