Anatomy of Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands Flashcards
What is the proliferation process of all glands?
All glands begin with the proliferation of epithelial cells and their downward growth into the underlying connective tissue
What is the role of the basal laminate in regards to the proliferating cells of the glands?
The basal laminate provides a supporting structure for the proliferating cells
What is the pathway of the exocrine glands?
- The proliferated cells remain connected to the epithelial surface.
- A duct forms, through which secretions are transported to the epithelial surface.
- The secretory portion (acinus) develops at the end of the duct.
What is the pathway of the endocrine glands?
- The connection to the epithelial surface disappears.
- The cells arrange themselves into either:
–> Cords of cells
–> Follicles
What are cords of cells in the endocrine gland?
Associated with capillaries to release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
What are follicles in the endocrine glands?
Hollow spherical structures that store secretory products temporarily before releasing them into the surrounding capillaries
What are different examples of endocrine glands? What do they secrete? (8)
- Pituitary –> Growth hormone & Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Thyroid
- Pancreas –> Insulin
- Placenta –> Progesterone and Estrogen
- Testis –> Testosterone, estradiol, androstenedione
- Ovary –> Progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, androstenedione
- Adrenal Glands –> Cortex –> Cortisol, aldosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione
–> Medulla –> Epinephrine, norepinephrine - Pineal –> Melatonin
What are the layers of the deep cervical fascia?
- Investing Layer
- Pretracheal Fascia
- Prevertebral Fascia
What do the layers of the deep cervical fascia form?
The carotid sheath
What is the investing layer?
The outermost layer of the deep cervical fascia surrounds the entire neck, surrounding superficial muscles like the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezius
Which glands does the investing layer enclose?
Encloses the submandibular gland and forms the capsule of the parotid gland
What are the superior attachments of the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia?
Superiorly –> External occipital protuberance and the superior nucha line of the skull
What are the inferior attachments of the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia?
Spine and acromion of the scapula, the clavicle, and the manubrium of the sternum
What are the posterior attachments of the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia?
Nuchal ligament of the vertebral column
What are the anterior attachments of the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia?
Hyoid bone
What is Ludwig’s angina?
Acute infection of the submandibular fascial space and is commonly seen secondary to dental infection
What are the different parts of the pretracheal fascia?
Muscular part and Visceral part
What is the muscular part like?
It is a round muscle which encloses the infrahyoid muscles
What are the infrahyoid muscles?
3 to 4 muscles below the hyoid
What is the visceral part of the pretracheal fascia like?
It encloses the thyroid gland, trachea, and esophagus
How many layers does the pericardium have?
3
Why does the thyroid gland move up and down when swallowing? Is it normal?
It is normal for the thyroid to move up and down when swallowing, it is because of its attachment to the pre-tracheal fascia
What is the superior attachment of the prevertebral layer?
Base of the skull
What is the inferior attachment of the prevertebral layer?
Endothoracic fascia of the rib cage
What is the posterior attachment of the prevertebral layer?
Nuchal ligament of the vertbral column
What is the anterior attachment of the prevertebral layer?
Transverse processes and vertebral bodies of the vertebral column
What is the retropharyngeal space?
The space between the prevertebral fascia and the buccopharyngeal fascia, it includes lymphnodes
What happens if the lymph nodes of the retropharyngeal space get enlarged?
They can get enlarged due to infection or malignancy –> which will cause dysphagia
Which carotid artery is within the carotid sheath?
Internal carotid artery
What are the contents of the carotid sheath?
- Common carotid artery (and internal carotid artery above the bifurcation).
- Internal jugular vein.
- Vagus nerve (CN X).
- Deep cervical lymph nodes.
Where does the external carotid artery branch off to?
Head and neck
What is the location of the thyroid gland?
Root of the neck, anterior to the larynx, ventral to C5 to T1
What is the function of the thyroid gland?
It is an endocrine gland which secretes:
1. Thyroxine (T4)
2. Triiodothyronine (T3)
3. Calcitonin
What is the function of T3 and T4?
Metabolic functions of the body
What is the function of Calcitonin?
Calcium metabolism
What is the structure of the thyroid gland?
It is a butterfly-shaped (cone-shaped) organ that has two lobes and the isthmus which connects the lobes
Where is the apex of the thyroid gland?
At the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage
Where is the base of the thyroid gland?
At the 5th or 6th tracheal ring
What are the anterolateral relations to the thyroid gland?
Superior belly of omohyoid
Anterior border of sternoclidomastoid
Sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles
What are the medial relations to the thyroid gland?
Thyroid and cricoid cartilages
Upper 6 tracheal rings
What are the posterior relations to the thyroid gland?
Carotid sheath & acquainted structures
Inferior thyroid artery
Parathyroid glands
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
What is the recurrent laryngeal nerve a branch of?
The vagus nerve
Where are the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves derived from?
Left –> arch of aorta
Right –> subclavian artery
In patients with goiter, how does the relation between thyroid and trachea affect patients?
The close relationship between the thyroid lobes and the trachea commonly results in pressure on the trachea
What is a retrosternal goiter, when does it happen and what can it lead to?
Retrosternal goiter occurs when the thyroid is abnormally located behind the sternum; it can compress the trachea and cause dangerous dyspnea and severe venous compression
Where is the isthmus of the thyroid located?
Passes anterior to the 2nd to 4th tracheal rings, encompasses a cranially extending thyroid tissue usually left to midline