Endocrine Glands: Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal

The endocrine tissues are perhaps unique amongst other body systems in showing significant variation in shape, size and cell content. This variation reflects states of health and disease, as well as fluctuations during growth and development. Such changes are often seen as hyperplasia and atrophy states. In addition, there are a variety of primary and metastatic neoplasms that are relevant to understanding of the tissues. This chapter serves to illustrate the normal anatomical sites of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. The glands need careful dissection and this is illustrated in sequential dissection views. The pituitary and pancreatic endocrine tissues are covered elsewhere. To fully appreciate the pathology of these tissues a good knowledge of normal physiology and the case history is vital. Furthermore, the knowledge of therapeutic treatments is often vital in case consideration.