Embryology and Anatomy of the Parathyroid Glands

As with most surgical procedures, a surgeon’s knowledge of the relevant anatomy is critical to the technical success of operations on the parathyroid glands. This knowledge must encompass more than just an understanding of the anatomy of the normal neck; it must also include an understanding of the variant anatomy and aberrant anatomic relationships that may be encountered. The process is reinforced by an appreciation and understanding of not only parathyroid anatomy but also parathyroid embryology. This chapter reviews the embryology and anatomy of the parathyroid glands in a clinically relevant manner. Furthermore, it details recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of parathyroid development. Our aim is to reinforce the link between embryology and surgical anatomy in the context of parathyroid surgery such that parathyroid glands are successfully identified and operative morbidity is minimized. We also intend for this to serve as a refepinrence and preface to the other chapters in this text.