Anatomy and embryology of the thyroid gland

Abstract

Editorial Perspective: George Orwell said that Men are only as good as their technical development allows them to be.The same could be said for the embryology and anatomy of any organ, including the thyroid gland. Understanding normal development of the thyroid and its gross and microscopic anatomy allows for comprehension of the presentation and complications of thyroglossal duct cysts compared to other cysts of the neck, such as branchial cleft cysts or bronchogenic cysts. Embryology also explains the diversity of certain thyroidal conditions, ranging from the lingual thyroid to the superior vena cava syndrome due to a mediastinal goiter. Expertise in the gross anatomy of the thyroid gland is essential for any head and neck surgeon, whether they are excising a benign thyroglossal duct cyst or a thyroid malignancy. Understanding the histology of the thyroid gland explains how medullary thyroid cancer differs from other thyroid malignancies. These are just a few examples suggesting that knowledge of the embryology and anatomy of the thyroid gland will improve one's diagnostic and therapeutic acumen related to disorders that affect the skin and the thyroid gland. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.