Question
Describe parathyroid gland and give its functions.
Solution
Parathyroid glands : These are four in number and located just at the back of thyroid gland, one pair each in the two lobes of the thyroid glands. These are of pink colour.
Hormones : These glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) , which is a peptide hormone.
Functions of the hormones :
1. It increases the amount of calcium. It stimulates the resorption of Ca2+ from the digested food and and Ca2+ resorption in the renal tubules. It also the process of demineralization in bones.
2. It decreases the amount of phosphorous in blood.
3. It plays a significant role in maintaining the calcium balance in the body.
