Development of thyroid gland

Question 1

Where does the thyroid gland appear in the developing embryo?

Answer 1

Floor of pharynx

between tuberculum impar and cupola, which later becomes the foramen cecum

Question 2

What happens to the location of the thyroid gland in the developing embryo?

Answer 2

It descends into the anterior neck

Question 3

How does the thyroid gland itself develop before it descends into the neck?

Answer 3

Divides into two lobes connected by the isthmus

Question 4

How is the thyroid gland related to the tongue during its descent?

Answer 4

It remains connected to the tongue

by the thyroglossal duct

Question 5

What happens to the thyroglossal duct?

Answer 5

After the thyroid gland has descended into the anterior neck

the thyroglossal duct degenerates

Question 6

What is a thyroglossal cyst?

Answer 6

Remnant of the thyroglossal duct

fills with fluid

Question 7

How does a thyroglossal cyst present?

Answer 7

Swelling in anterior midline of neck

Question 8

How can you differentiate between a thyroglossal cyst and a branchial cyst clinically?

Answer 8

Thyroglossal cyst - swelling is in anterior midline of necl

Branchial cyst - swelling is anterior to sternocleidomastoid

Question 9

What is ectopic thyroid tissue?

Answer 9

Thyroid tissue in the anterior neck that’s not connected to the thyroid gland

Question 10

Where can thyroglossal cysts and ectopic thyroid tissue occur?

Answer 10

Anywhere along the path of descent of the thyroid gland in the anterior midline of the neck