Anatomy, Histology, Parathyroid, Hamster

Abstract

Parathyroids in Syrian hamsters, like those in most rodents, are paired organs which correspond to the external parathyroids in higher vertebrates and develop from the third pharyngeal pouch (Erdheim, cited by Michel 1957). The internal parathyroids, derived from the fourth pouch, are absent in the hamster. The glands are usually located at the lateral lower margins of the thyroid glands, at the level of the caudal portion of the cricoid cartilage. In 70% of Syrian hamsters the parathyroids extend only slightly cranial to the level of the thyroid gland (Michel 1957); hence, these opaque glands are difficult to identify grossly. They may be completely separated from the thyroid gland by a capsule, but may also project to variable depths into the interfollicular thyroid gland tissue.