Parathyroid glands (dave's notes)

Question 1

Where are parathyroid glands usually found (general location)?

Answer 1

Usually behind the lateral lobe of the thyroid gland BUT may be found within or without the thyroid’s capsule/pretracheal fascia

Question 2

What is the usual number of parathyroids? What is their usual weight?

Answer 2

Usually 4 glands with a total weight of <200mg, 2 on each side, not necessarily level with each other.

Question 3

Where are the superior parathyroid glands usually found?

Answer 3

The superior parathyroids are usually more constant in position, usually at the back of the thyroid gland on level with the first tracheal ring and above the inferior thyroid artery.

Question 4

Where are the inferior parathyroids gland usually found?

Answer 4

The inferior glands are more variable and are usually behind the lower pole (behind the inferior thyroid artery and lateral to the recurrent laryngeal nerve

Question 5

What is the blood supply to the parathyroid glands?

Answer 5

Via the inferior thyroid artery

Question 6

What other feature aids parathyroid identification?

Answer 6

A small brownish yellow branch enters each gland. Bullshit.