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

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

The thyroid gland starts developing in the oropharynx 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

A thyroglossal duct that fails to atrophy is called a persistent thyroglossal duct, a condition that may lead to the formation of a thyroglossal duct cyst.

[edit] External links

• thyroglossal+duct at eMedicine Dictionary

v • d • e Human development of head and neck / branchial apparatus (GA 1.65) Nose Nasal placode · Olfactory pit · nasal prominences (Lateral, Medial) · Intermaxillary segment Mouth/neck Palate Primitive palate · Secondary palate 1st arch Frontonasal prominence · Maxillary prominence · Mandibular prominence (Meckel's cartilage) Anterior tongue: Lateral lingual swelling · Tuberculum impar Thyroid (pouches 3-5) Thyroid diverticulum · Thyroglossal duct · Ultimobranchial body General Pharyngeal groove (Cervical sinus) · Pharyngeal arch (1st, 2nd) · Pharyngeal pouch (Ultimobranchial body) respiratory system navs: anat nose,larynx/lower+thoracic cavity/physio/dev, noncongen/congen/tumors, symptoms+signs/eponymous, proc mouth navs: anat/dev, noncongen/congen face/congen GI/neoplasia, symptoms, proc endocrine navs: anat/physio/dev/hormones, noncongen/congen/neoplasia, symptoms+signs/eponymous, proc

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