Parathormone
Parathormone is a hormone sectreted by the parathyroid gland - which is part of the thyroid / parathyroid gland located in the neck.
Parathormone is:
- Associated with the growth of muscle and bone.
- Responsible for the distribution of calcium and phosphate in the body.
The possible consequences of both excessive quantities of parathormone in the body (hyper-), and insufficient parathormone in the body (hypo-), are summarized below:
Hyper -
- causes transfer of calcium from the bones to the blood
- bones become fragile & easily broken
- osteoporosis.
(Parathormone activity is inhibited by oestrogen.)
Hypo -
- Lowers blood calcium levels,
- which lead to tetany (sometimes treated by injections of the hormone)
- low calcium levels in skeletal muscle (which may cause cramps)
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
More about the Endocrine System
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
