Our aim has been to clarify the controversies most frequently encountered in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. This work is composed of a review of the embryology, anatomy, physiology and pathology of the parathyroid glands with illustrations and surgical images. We update the glandular localization studies and incorporate our view of the medical-legal implications of therapeutic procedures. We thank those who have instilled in us this vocation, those who taught us and those who collaborated with the realization of this work, without forgetting to mention the Municipal Hospital of Vicente Lopez that saw us form and grow in this profession.