PARATHYROID HORMONE Meaning and
Definition
-
Parathyroid hormone, often abbreviated as PTH, is a hormone that is primarily produced and secreted by the parathyroid glands. These are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Parathyroid hormone plays a vital role in regulating the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body, as well as maintaining overall bone health.
The secretion of parathyroid hormone is controlled by the body's calcium levels. When calcium levels in the blood decrease, the parathyroid glands release more PTH into the bloodstream. Parathyroid hormone acts on the bones, kidneys, and intestines to increase calcium levels.
In the bones, parathyroid hormone stimulates the activity of bone cells called osteoclasts, which break down bone tissue and release calcium into the bloodstream. Additionally, PTH enhances the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys, preventing its excretion in urine. Moreover, it promotes the absorption of calcium from the intestines by enhancing the production of activated vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption.
Parathyroid hormone also acts on the kidneys to decrease the excretion of phosphate in urine. This helps to maintain optimal levels of phosphate in the blood, as excessive phosphate can bind to calcium and reduce its availability in the bloodstream.
Overall, parathyroid hormone plays a vital role in maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body, ensuring proper bone health and functioning of various physiological processes.
Common Misspellings for PARATHYROID HORMONE
- oarathyroid hormone
- larathyroid hormone
- -arathyroid hormone
- 0arathyroid hormone
- pzrathyroid hormone
- psrathyroid hormone
- pwrathyroid hormone
- pqrathyroid hormone
- paeathyroid hormone
- padathyroid hormone
- pafathyroid hormone
- patathyroid hormone
- pa5athyroid hormone
- pa4athyroid hormone
- parzthyroid hormone
- parsthyroid hormone
- parwthyroid hormone
- parqthyroid hormone
- pararhyroid hormone
Etymology of PARATHYROID HORMONE
The word "parathyroid hormone" has a straightforward etymology:
- "Parathyroid" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning "next to" or "beside", and "thyreoeidēs" meaning "shaped like a shield". This is due to the fact that the parathyroid glands are small glands located next to the thyroid gland in the neck.
- "Hormone" is derived from the Greek word "hormon" which means "to excite" or "to set in motion". It refers to a chemical substance produced in the body that has a specific regulatory effect on cells or organs.
Therefore, "parathyroid hormone" literally means "the hormone produced by the parathyroid glands".
Similar spelling word for PARATHYROID HORMONE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
