Thyroglossal duct
Thyroglossal Duct
The Thyroglossal Duct (pronunciation: thy-ro-glos-sal duct) is a small, narrow tube in the neck that is formed during the development of the thyroid gland in the human embryo.
Etymology
The term "Thyroglossal" is derived from the Greek words "thyreos" (shield), referring to the thyroid, and "glossa" (tongue), referring to the duct's connection to the base of the tongue.
Anatomy
The thyroglossal duct serves as a pathway for the downward migration of the thyroid gland from the base of the tongue to its final position in the neck during embryonic development. It usually disappears by the 10th week of gestation. However, in some cases, parts of the duct may persist and can give rise to a thyroglossal duct cyst or fistula.
Related Terms
- Thyroid Gland: An organ that produces and releases hormones that regulate metabolism and other body functions.
- Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that can form from cells and tissues left over after the formation of the thyroid gland during embryonic development.
- Fistula: An abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ and the skin or between two organs.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thyroglossal duct
- Wikipedia's article - Thyroglossal duct
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