The Parathyroid Glands
The parathyroid glands are endocrine glands located in the anterior neck.
They are responsible for the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which acts
to increase the level of serum calcium.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the parathyroid glands – their
location, neurovascular supply, and clinical correlations.
Anatomical Location
Fig 1 – Posterior aspect of the thyroid gland, demonstrating the most common
location of the parathyroid glands.
The parathyroid glands are usually located on the posterior aspect of the thyroid
gland. They are flattened and oval in shape – situated external to the thyroid
gland itself but within the pretracheal fascia.
The parathyroid glands are endocrine glands located in the anterior neck.
They are responsible for the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which acts
to increase the level of serum calcium.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the parathyroid glands – their
location, neurovascular supply, and clinical correlations.
Anatomical Location
Fig 1 – Posterior aspect of the thyroid gland, demonstrating the most common
location of the parathyroid glands.
The parathyroid glands are usually located on the posterior aspect of the thyroid
gland. They are flattened and oval in shape – situated external to the thyroid
gland itself but within the pretracheal fascia.
