American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

Where is the normal location for the parathyroid glands?

Within the adrenal glands

Superior and inferior poles of the thyroid

The normal location for the parathyroid glands is at the superior and inferior poles of the thyroid gland. Typically, there are four parathyroid glands, which are small oval structures located on the posterior surface of the thyroid. The primary function of these glands is to regulate calcium levels in the blood and bone through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

This anatomical positioning is essential for their physiological role because they are in close proximity to the thyroid gland, which helps maintain calcium homeostasis and enables interactions with other endocrine functions. The close association with the thyroid gland also helps in the surgical context, as during thyroidectomy, care must be taken to identify and preserve these glands to prevent complications related to calcium metabolism.

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Adjacent to the pituitary gland

Near the cervical vertebrae

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