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Parathyroid glands typical location (anterior-posterior view)

The parathyroid glands are located usually on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Although the number varies, there are usually four parathyroid glands, two on each side. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.1 Japan.)

Associated Disorders

  • Acute and chronic renal failure
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
  • Granulomatous disorders
  • Infantile hypercalcemia (Williams syndrome)
  • Malignancy
  • Milk-alkali syndrome
  • Primary hyperparathyroidism