The chief cells are organized as dense cords surrounding the capillaries in the parathyroid.

[2] Chief cells spend most time inactive due to normal calcium level conditions.

They have low levels of secretory granules, as opposed to active chief cells.

However, the Golgi apparatus areas associated with parathyroid hormone packaging contained little or no acid phosphatase.

[7] The chief cells of the parathyroid glands sense the amount of calcium in the blood, and release the calcium-increasing hormone parathyroid hormone (PTH) accordingly to correct or maintain normal blood calcium levels.

The secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is regulated by the interaction of the calcium-sensing receptor with calcium in the blood.

The phosphorylation of the PLC is seen to inhibit the secretion of PTH due to high calcium levels in the blood.

[10] Because the formation of PTH regulates the calcium level in the blood, it can affect all areas of the body.

The further consequence of this disorder can be osteopenia, or even osteoporosis, which is the loss of bone density.

Interesting enough, a derivative of synthetic PTH is often given to patients with osteoporosis to combat the disease.

[2] Chief cells in parathyroid adenomas also display acid phosphatase activity.

[14] Chief cell hyperplasia is a common disorder in individuals with other endocrine abnormalities, though it may still occur sporadically.

In extremely rare cases, a malignant tumor may develop within the parathyroid gland.

It can also be due to a head or neck injury and further loss of function of the glands.