Parathyroid Glands

These small glands lie just next to or are sometimes embedded within the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck and help to control calcium levels in the body. Owing to their location, these glands may be unavoidably removed or damaged during a total thyroidectomy. If the parathyroid glands are removed or damaged, patients will usually have to take a daily Vitamin D capsule to help the body absorb calcium.