What Are the Functions of a Parathyroid?

The human body has four parathyroid glands grouped together in two pairs located near the thyroid gland in the throat. While the parathyroid glands share a name with the thyroid, they do not perform the same functions as the thyroid. According to Endocrine Web, the thyroid gland secretes a hormone that regulates the metabolism of the human body and also monitors growth. The parathyroid has nothing to do with the body's metabolism, but it does have a hand in maintaining healthy body growth.

Calcium Regulation

• The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone known as parathyroid hormone. According to Endocrine Web, one of the main functions of the parathyroid gland is to monitor the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. When the parathyroid glands detect a lack of calcium in the blood, they release hormones that will break down calcium in the bones to get it into the bloodstream. If an excess of calcium is detected, the amount of parathyroid hormones is decreased allowing the calcium to work its way through the bloodstream to the bones and other parts of the body.

Blood Clotting

• According to Become Healthy Now, calcium is the agent that allows blood to clot. When the parathyroids detect a low level of calcium in the blood, they create parathyroid hormones to help increase the amount of calcium in the blood and encourage clotting.

Bone Density

• A properly functioning set of parathyroid glands will allow a healthy release and retention of calcium in the bones that keeps bones strong. When the parathyroid glands are malfunctioning and releasing too much parathyroid hormone, this can result in weak and brittle bones. In this way, the parathyroid glands are important to maintaining strong bone structure and reducing the risk of bone fracture.

Digestion

• Because the parathyroid glands help regulate the amount of calcium in the bloodstream, they are also involved in maintaining healthy digestion. The parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid glands is used by the intestines to regulate the digestion of calcium into the bloodstream.

Nerve Impulses

• According to Parathyroid.com, the human body uses calcium to conduct nerve impulses along the network of the nervous system. By maintaining proper calcium levels in the body, the parathyroid glands encourage good neurological health.