Development of thyroid gland Flashcards
Where does the thyroid gland appear in the developing embryo?
Floor of pharynx
between tuberculum impar and cupola, which later becomes the foramen cecum
What happens to the location of the thyroid gland in the developing embryo?
It descends into the anterior neck
How does the thyroid gland itself develop before it descends into the neck?
Divides into two lobes connected by the isthmus
How is the thyroid gland related to the tongue during its descent?
It remains connected to the tongue
by the thyroglossal duct
What happens to the thyroglossal duct?
After the thyroid gland has descended into the anterior neck
the thyroglossal duct degenerates
What is a thyroglossal cyst?
Remnant of the thyroglossal duct
fills with fluid
How does a thyroglossal cyst present?
Swelling in anterior midline of neck
How can you differentiate between a thyroglossal cyst and a branchial cyst clinically?
Thyroglossal cyst - swelling is in anterior midline of necl
Branchial cyst - swelling is anterior to sternocleidomastoid
What is ectopic thyroid tissue?
Thyroid tissue in the anterior neck that’s not connected to the thyroid gland
Where can thyroglossal cysts and ectopic thyroid tissue occur?
Anywhere along the path of descent of the thyroid gland in the anterior midline of the neck
