Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Parathyroid Hormone
Also written as: PTH — Parathyroid Hormone
A hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, essential for bone health assessment.
Full Definition
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an 84-amino acid polypeptide hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that maintains calcium homeostasis. PTH increases serum calcium by stimulating bone resorption, enhancing renal calcium reabsorption, and promoting vitamin D activation for increased intestinal calcium absorption. PTH testing is crucial in evaluating hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, and parathyroid disorders including hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'intact PTH' when referring to the full-length hormone assay.
In Context
- "Elevated PTH with hypercalcemia suggested primary hyperparathyroidism." — Endocrinology consultation
- "Intact parathyroid hormone measurement is preferred over mid-molecule PTH assays." — Laboratory guidelines
Also known as
PTH
Parathormone
Don't confuse with
Calcitonin
Vitamin D