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Parathyroid Hormone

Meaning

A crucial polypeptide hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that serves as the primary regulator of calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the blood and extracellular fluid. Its release is tightly controlled by the circulating calcium concentration, acting to raise serum calcium levels when they fall below the physiological set point. Clinically, measuring this hormone is essential for diagnosing disorders of calcium metabolism, such as hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism.