MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Parathyroidectomy

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Parathyroidectomy - series: Normal anatomy

Parathyroidectomy - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indications

Procedure

Aftercare

The 4 parathyroid glands are located near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that controls blood levels of calcium.

Update Date: 10/16/2006

Updated by: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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