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Applied Embryology, Molecular Genetics, and Surgical Anatomy of the Parathyroid Glands

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Medical and Surgical Treatment of Parathyroid Diseases

Abstract

The parathyroid glands are small (<50 mg) endocrine glands located on the posterior aspect of the thyroid. The primary function of the glands is to produce and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium homeostasis in the circulation. PTH deficiency (hypoparathyroidism) or excess (hyperparathyroidism) may be caused by mutations in genes required for development of the parathyroid gland or physiological function as well as other causes. As knowledge of the human genome increases, advances in diagnostic and treatment techniques for parathyroid-related disorders will undoubtedly involve a thorough understanding of the key molecular processes guiding parathyroid development and function. This chapter provides a review of these events, as currently understood, as well as their potential clinical relevance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4302 W. Markham St Slot, #806, Little Rock, AR, 72205-7199, USA

    Andrew M. Hinson M.D. & Brendan C. Stack Jr. M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E.

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  1. Andrew M. Hinson M.D.
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  2. Brendan C. Stack Jr. M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E.
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Andrew M. Hinson M.D. or Brendan C. Stack Jr. M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Brendan C. Stack, Jr.

  2. Department of Geniatrics and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

    Donald L. Bodenner

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Hinson, A.M., Stack, B.C. (2017). Applied Embryology, Molecular Genetics, and Surgical Anatomy of the Parathyroid Glands. In: Stack, Jr., B., Bodenner, D. (eds) Medical and Surgical Treatment of Parathyroid Diseases. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26794-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26794-4_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-26792-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-26794-4

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