THE ANSWER AND I HOPE YOU AREN'T DISAPPOINTED
for me giving the answer too soon. "para" means around, or close by, etc. there are four (I think) glands around the thyroid that are about the size of a pencil lead, called the "parathyroid" glands. lowered function of these glands (hypoparathyroidism) produces an illness with certain symptoms.... Sign in to see full entry.