Anatomy and Embryology of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are cervical endocrine glands responsible for metabolism-related functions. Radiologists are frequently asked to evaluate pathology related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands before planned surgical intervention. Knowledge of embryology and anatomy is fundamental in this region because rather complex underlying embryology produces substantial anatomic variation both in the thyroid bed and elsewhere in the neck and mediastinum.