Home About Us The Surgeons Endocrinology Procedures Glossary of Terms Helpful Links Direcitons, Maps and General Information Contact Us Department of Surgery University of Michigan Health System Department of General Surgery University of Michigan Thyroid Parathyroid Adrenal Pancreas


Endocrine surgeons are general surgeons that have special expertise in operations on certain organs which may rarely be encountered by other types of surgeons. Use the links below to learn more about these organs and the operations they sometimes require.
  • Thyroid Gland The Thyroid gland is a large butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, between the carotid arteries and near the trachea. The purpose of the Thyroid gland is to secrete a hormone which regulates body metabolism.

    Click the image at right for a larger view. Click here to learn more about the thyroid gland.




  • Parathyroid Gland There are generally four parathyroid glands located near the Thyroid glands and next to the trachea. The parathyroid glands secrete hormones which regulate blood calcium levels.

    Click the image at right for a larger view. Click here to learn more about the parathyroid glands.




  • Adrenal Gland The adrenal glands are golden-yellow triangle or crescent shaped glands which are attached to the top of each of your two kidneys.

    Click the image at right for a larger view. Click here to learn more about the adrenal gland.




  • Pancreas The pancreas is a complex organ located deep in the abdomen that has many functions.

    Click the image at right for a larger view. Click here to learn more about the pancreas.