Parathyroid gland
A gland that regulates calcium, located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid gland secretes a hormone called parathormone (or parathyrin) that is critical to calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Although the number of parathyroid glands can vary, most people have four, one above the other on each side. They are plastered against the back of the thyroid and therefore at risk for being accidentally removed during thyroidectomy.
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Surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands. Parathyroidectomy is usually done to treat hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common disorder of the parathyroid glands, and is characterized by an elevation in the blood levels of calcium, loss of calcium from the bones, and an elevation of the parathyroid hormone level (PTH). […]
- Parenchyma
The key elements of an organ essential to its functioning, as distinct from the capsule that encompasses it and other supporting structures.
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Not delivered via the intestinal tract. For example, parenteral nutrition is feeding that is delivered intravenously.