Slide DMS161 [Parathyroid, monkey, H&E]. Look for a parathyroid gland embedded in the periphery of this section of thyroid gland. The gland consists mostly of closely-packed cords or clumps of small, basophilic, secretory chief (principal) cells. The gland has a connective tissue capsule of its own. Connective tissue stroma is minimal but contains many blood capillaries. Look for small clusters of larger, eosinophilic oxyphil cells. These cells usually do not appear until after puberty, and increase in numbers with age. Their function is still uncertain. Finally, check out the well-preserved brown adipose tissue and myelinated nerve trunks in the adnexal tissue.