Thyroglossal duct 746821 163864669 2007-10-11T19:03:34Z Arcadian 104523 {{Embryology of head and neck}} {{Infobox Embryology | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = ductus thyroglossalis | GraySubject = | GrayPage = | Image = Illu08 thyroid.jpg | Caption = Duct not labeled, but arises nearest to region identified as 'pyramidal lobe') | Image2 = Kiemenbogen.jpg | Caption2 = Pattern of the branchial arches. I-IV branchial arches, 1-4 [[branchial pouches]] (inside) and/or [[pharyngeal grooves]] (outside)<BR>a [[Tuberculum laterale]]<BR>b [[Tuberculum impar]]<BR>c [[Foramen cecum]]<BR>d [[Thyroglossal duct|Ductus thyreoglossus]]<BR>e [[Sinus cervicalis]] | System = | CarnegieStage = 14 | Precursor =| GivesRiseTo = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = d_29 | DorlandsSuf = 12315154 | }} The '''thyroglossal duct''' is an [[embryology|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 [[muscles of the neck|neck muscles]]. The connection between its original position and its final position is the thyroglossal duct. This duct normally [[atrophy|atrophies]] and closes off before [[childbirth|birth]] but can remain open in some people. ==Clinical significance== Failure of the thyroglossal duct to atrophy leads to a [[persistent thyroglossal duct]]. ==External links== * {{eMedicineDictionary|thyroglossal+duct}} {{developmental-biology-stub}} {{Embryology of head and neck}} [[Category:head and neck]] [[Category:Embryology]] [[pt:Ducto tireoglosso]]