During thyroidectomy, which glands may be accidentally removed due to their small size?

During thyroidectomy, which glands may be accidentally removed due to their small size?

• A. Adrenal glands
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Thyroid follicles
• D. Parathyroid glands

Answer: (D)

During thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be accidentally removed because they are tiny and lie on the posterior surface of the thyroid, sometimes embedded in thyroid tissue. These four small glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is essential for regulating calcium balance in the body. If they’re removed or damaged, PTH drops and calcium levels fall, causing symptoms of hypocalcemia such as tingling, muscle cramps, or even tetany. The other glands aren’t typically at risk in this procedure: adrenal glands and the pituitary are located far from the thyroid, so incidental removal doesn’t occur during thyroid surgery. Thyroid follicles are the components of the thyroid itself that are intentionally removed in thyroidectomy, not separate glands accidentally removed.

During thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be accidentally removed because they are tiny and lie on the posterior surface of the thyroid, sometimes embedded in thyroid tissue. These four small glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is essential for regulating calcium balance in the body. If they’re removed or damaged, PTH drops and calcium levels fall, causing symptoms of hypocalcemia such as tingling, muscle cramps, or even tetany.

The other glands aren’t typically at risk in this procedure: adrenal glands and the pituitary are located far from the thyroid, so incidental removal doesn’t occur during thyroid surgery. Thyroid follicles are the components of the thyroid itself that are intentionally removed in thyroidectomy, not separate glands accidentally removed.