Parathyroid glands facts for kids
Parathyroid glands are tiny endocrine glands found in your neck. Humans and all tetrapods (animals with four limbs, like mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians) have them. They are usually located right behind your thyroid gland.
What Do Parathyroid Glands Do?
These small glands are very important! They produce a special substance called parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone helps control the amount of calcium in your blood and bones.
Calcium is a super important mineral for your body. It helps make your bones strong, keeps your nerves working, and makes your muscles move. The parathyroid glands are the only part of your body that has its own special control system just for calcium!
Where Are Parathyroid Glands Located?
Most people have four parathyroid glands. They are usually found in two pairs, right behind the thyroid gland in your neck. Each gland is quite small, about 6 millimeters (a bit less than a quarter-inch) long and 3 to 4 millimeters wide. They get their blood supply from arteries near your thyroid.
See also
In Spanish: Glándula paratiroides para niños
