Endocrine SystemThyroid and Parathyroid Glands |
Are all four parathyroid glands necessary to maintain homeostasis? |
No, not all of the parathyroid glands are needed to maintain homeostasis. The secretion of even a portion of one gland can maintain normal calcium concentrations. When calcium concentration levels are abnormally high, though, a condition called hyperparathyroidism results. This is typically caused by a tumor, and surgical removal of the overactive tissue will often correct the imbalance.