Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hormone regulating minerals: A hormone produced and secreted into the bloodstream by the parathyroid glands. Its primary function is to regulate the levels of phosphorus and calcium in the body. It also plays roles in neuromuscular excitation and the process of blood clotting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered a test to measure the patient's parathyroid hormone level.
  • A tumor can cause the gland to secrete too much parathyroid hormone, leading to high calcium levels.
  • The primary action of parathyroid hormone is to increase calcium in the blood.

Advanced Usage

• Medical abbreviation: In clinical contexts, it is commonly abbreviated as PTH.
  • The lab report showed an elevated PTH level.

Variants and Related Words

• Parathormone (n): An older, less common synonym for parathyroid hormone.
• Hyperparathyroidism (n): A condition characterized by excessive production of parathyroid hormone.
• Hypoparathyroidism (n): A condition characterized by deficient production of parathyroid hormone.

Synonyms

• Parathormone

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Calcium homeostasis: The stable regulation of calcium levels in the body, which is the main function of parathyroid hormone.
• Bone resorption: The process by which bone is broken down, releasing calcium into the blood—a key action stimulated by parathyroid hormone.

Noun

1. hormone synthesized and released into the blood stream by the parathyroid glands; regulates phosphorus and calcium in the body and functions in neuromuscular excitation and blood clotting