What is the function of the Parathyroid Gland?

The parathyroid glands are roughly the size of a grain of rice or pea. They are located just behind the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. Most people have four parathyroid glands, with two parathyroid glands lying behind each 'wing' of the thyroid gland. Parathyroid is attached to the thyroid and shares a similar name, but the thyroid and parathyroid are two different organs providing completely separate functions. Parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which plays a key role in the regulation of calcium levels in the blood. The main target organs where parathyroid hormone exerts its effects are the bones and the kidneys. Controls how much calcium is in the bones, and therefore, how strong and dense the bones are. When calcium levels are low, parathyroid hormone is released by the parathyroid glands into the blood and causes the bones to release calcium and increase levels in the bloodstream. It also causes the kidneys to stop calcium being lost in urine as well as stimulating the kidneys to increase vitamin D metabolism If someone does not take in enough calcium through their diet or does not have enough vitamin D, circulating calcium levels fall and the parathyroid glands produce more parathyroid hormone. This brings calcium levels in the bloodstream back up to normal. Calcium is the element that allows the normal conduction of electrical currents along nerves--its how our nervous system works and how one nerve 'talks' to the next. Our entire brain works by fluxes of calcium into and out of the nerve cells. Calcium is also the primary element which causes muscles to contract. This is important to ensure the nervous system and the body’s muscles can work properly, and also that bones remain strong. Function is to regulate the calcium levels in our body.