Page 4 - SONO 260 Chapter 12 The Neck
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ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE
THYROID GLAND
• The thyroid gland is a crucial endocrine gland that develops within the third week of gestation.
• In the embryo, the thyroid begins its initial development at the base of the tongue.
• It descends down the thyroglossal duct to ultimately rest anterior to the trachea.
• It is fully functional by the end of the first trimester. Copyright © 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
