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parathyroid glands  four small endocrine glands in the region of the thyroid gland; they contain two types of cells: chief cells and oxyphils. Chief cells are the major source of parathyroid hormone (PTH), whose secretion is dependent on the serum calcium level. Low levels of calcium in the serum stimulate secretion of PTH, and high levels of calcium inhibit its secretion. See also hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.




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