Where are the parathyroid glands typically located?

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Where are the parathyroid glands typically located?

Parathyroid glands are normally located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, tucked beneath the thyroid capsule near the superior and inferior poles. This posterior position reflects their development and typical blood supply from branches of the inferior thyroid artery. While there can be variants—such as intrathyroidal or other ectopic locations—the classic and most expected location is behind the thyroid, not in front, on the lateral side, or embedded within the thyroid parenchyma.

Parathyroid glands are normally located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, tucked beneath the thyroid capsule near the superior and inferior poles. This posterior position reflects their development and typical blood supply from branches of the inferior thyroid artery. While there can be variants—such as intrathyroidal or other ectopic locations—the classic and most expected location is behind the thyroid, not in front, on the lateral side, or embedded within the thyroid parenchyma.

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