Surgical embryology and anatomy of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

A thorough knowledge of parathyroid embryology and anatomy is essential for maximum success in restoration of calcium homeostasis in those patients who have a form of hyperparathyroidism. In fact, an initial meticulous neck dissection by a competent parathyroid surgeon who is well versed in the embryology and anatomy of the neck is the current "hi tech" method of choice for parathyroid gland localization.