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parathyroid

parathyroid

1 6.8
One of four small glands next to the thyroid that control blood calcium levels
  • noun
  • /ˌpærəˈθaɪrɔɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : paratiroides
  • A doctor may remove the parathyroid if it is causing high calcium levels due to a tumor.
  • parathyroid gland
  • parathyroid hormone
  • parathyroid cyst

Hyperparathyroidism can be caused from parathyroid cancer.

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Examples

  • Awareness of a possible thyroid or parathyroid etiology may expedite treatment and prevent unnecessary interventions.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The mass was excised uneventfully, and the final pathology revealed a normocellular parathyroid gland and thymic tissue.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Hyperparathyroidism can be caused from parathyroid cancer.

  • Anatomicopathologic study of the parathyroid in our patient revealed the presence of an adenoma.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Some head and neck surgeons explore both sides and identify all parathyroid glands.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Histopathologic examination of the lower left parathyroid revealed the presence of an adenoma.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The size of a parathyroid adenoma is correlated with the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Hyperparathyroidism is frequently caused by the development of a parathyroid adenoma and less often by hyperplasia or carcinoma.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone were within normal limits.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The parathyroid glands play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body.

Synonyms

parathyroid gland
vsparathyroid
  • Specialized
5.6

Small glands near the thyroid that make hormones to control calcium in the blood

is the shorter form that omits the noun part

Compounds

parathyroid gland
  • Specialized
5.6

Small glands near the thyroid that make hormones to control calcium in the blood

parathyroid hormone
  • Specialized
6.4

A body chemical made by small neck glands that controls calcium and phosphorus in the blood

Surface Forms

parathyroid singular
parathyroids plural

Morphology

parathyroid = thyroid (semi-transparent) = para + thyroid

The word clearly means 'near the thyroid', but it is a specialized medical term and the prefix is less familiar to average learners.

Etymology

Parathyroid comes from the part para- meaning 'beside' and thyroid meaning 'gland in the neck'. So a parathyroid is a small gland 'beside the thyroid', which explains why these glands sit next to the thyroid and help control the body's calcium.