Parathyroid Gland Flashcards
1
Q
What is the major function of the parathyroid glands
A
Calcium Homeostasis which is essential to life
2
Q
What is the “normal” number of parathyroid glands in the average person?
A
Four, although anywhere from two to six are seen in the population
3
Q
What is the location of the parathyroid glands?
A
on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland
4
Q
What is the blood supply to the parathyroid glands?
A
1) Inferior Thyroid Artery
2) Superior Thyroid Artery
5
Q
What is the nerve innervation of the parathyroid glands?
A
Inferior and middle cervical sympathetic ganglion
6
Q
What are the factors that contribute to the difficulty of thyroid surgery?
A
1) Damage to the high vasularity of the gland
2) Location of the Parathyroid Glands
3) Position of the recurrent laryngeal nerve
