Thyroglossal duct

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Thyroglossal duct
Duct not labeled, but arises nearest to region identified as 'pyramidal lobe')
Pattern of the branchial arches. I-IV branchial arches, 1-4 branchial pouches (inside) and/or pharyngeal grooves (outside)
a Tuberculum laterale
b Tuberculum impar
c Foramen cecum
d Ductus thyreoglossus
e Sinus cervicalis
Latin ductus thyroglossalis
Carnegie stage 14
Dorlands/Elsevier d_29/12315154

The thyroglossal duct is an embryological anatomical structure which forms the connection between the initial area of development of the thyroid gland and its final position.

The thyroid gland starts developing in the pharynx in the fetus and descends to its final position taking a path through the tongue, hyoid bone and neck muscles. The connection between its original position and its final position is the thyroglossal duct. This duct normally atrophies and closes off before birth but can remain open in some people.

[edit] Clinical significance

Failure of the thyroglossal duct to atrophy leads to a persistent thyroglossal duct.

[edit] External links

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