10 Questions
What is the typical shape of the parathyroid glands?
Flattened and oval
From which pharyngeal pouch do the superior parathyroid glands derive?
Fourth pharyngeal pouch
What is the primary artery responsible for the arterial supply of the parathyroid glands?
Inferior thyroid artery
Where do the inferior parathyroid glands usually drain into?
Inferior thyroid veins
In which nodes do the parathyroid glands drain lymphatically?
Paratracheal and deep cervical nodes
What is the origin of the sympathetic nerves that supply the parathyroid glands?
Cervical ganglia
What type of nerves are the sympathetic nerves that supply the parathyroid glands?
Vasomotor nerves
What is the risk of damaging or removing the parathyroid glands during surgery?
High risk due to their posterior location
What is the clinical consequence of a sudden drop in serum calcium levels?
Tetany, muscle cramps, and paraesthesia
Why is it standard post-operative practice to check parathyroid hormone and serum calcium levels after thyroid surgery?
To monitor for hypocalcaemia
Test your knowledge about the location, shape, and variation of parathyroid glands in relation to the thyroid gland. Learn about the superior parathyroid glands and their derivation from the fourth pharyngeal pouch.
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