Final answer:
The parathyroid glands are responsible for maintaining calcium and phosphate balance in the body. They produce the parathyroid hormone that regulates blood calcium concentrations by enhancing the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys and stimulating bone cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The parathyroid glands are responsible for maintaining calcium and phosphate balance.
These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which increases blood calcium concentrations when calcium ion levels fall below normal. PTH enhances reabsorption of Ca²+ by the kidneys, stimulates osteoclast activity and inhibits osteoblast activity, and stimulates synthesis and secretion of calcitriol by the kidneys, which enhances Ca²+ absorption by the digestive system.
Overall, the parathyroid glands work to maintain homeostatic Ca²+ levels in body fluids and ensure proper bone growth and blood cell formation.