Parathyroid gland
The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone. Humans have four parathyroid glands, which are usually located behind the thyroid gland, and, in rare cases, within the thyroid gland or in the chest. Parathyroid glands control the amount of calcium in the blood and within the bones. The parathyroid glands are four or more small glands located on the posterior surface (back side) of the thyroid gland. Although they have confusing names, the parathyroid glands serve a completely different role than the thyroid gland. They are quite easily recognizable from the thyroid as they have densely packed cells, in contrast with the follicle structure of the thyroid. [1] However, at surgery, they are harder to differentiate from the thyroid or fat. For this reason, when surgery is indicated, it has long been known that an experienced surgeon will have better results than a nonexperienced surgeon.
