Final answer:The small glands that are situated on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are known as the parathyroid glands. They produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates blood calcium levels. The correct answer is A) Parathyroid glands.Explanation:The small glands that ride "horseback" on the thyroid are called the parathyroid glands. These glands are embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Most people possess four parathyroid glands, although the number can vary between two and six. Their primary function is to produce and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is a vital regulator of blood calcium levels. When calcium levels in the blood are low, the parathyroid glands secrete PTH, which then acts to increase blood calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream and enhancing calcium absorption from the intestine and the kidneys.In contrast, the adrenal glands are located above the kidneys, the pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain, and the thymus gland is situated in the upper thorax. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: A) Parathyroid glands....

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