Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Ductus thyreoglossus
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: Ductus thyreoglossus
Overview
Overview
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.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Failure of the thyroglossal duct to atrophy leads to a persistent thyroglossal duct. 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.
a Tuberculum laterale
b Tuberculum impar
c Foramen cecum
d Ductus thyreoglossus
e Sinus cervicalis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]