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The Thyroid Gland

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...

Goiter

Goiter

Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

"Sun's Seven-Step Technique" for Endoscopic En-Bloc Resection of Thyroid Cancer via the Chest-Breast Approach

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[Lingual thyroid].

Djordje Marina, Silvija Sajić

Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo

|July 24, 2007

Summary

Lingual thyroid, a rare congenital condition, occurs when thyroid tissue abnormally forms at the base of the tongue. Early diagnosis and individualized levothyroxine therapy are crucial for managing associated hypothyroidism.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

Lingual thyroid is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from failed descent of thyroid tissue during embryonic development.
It represents the most common site for ectopic thyroid tissue, often located at the base of the tongue.
This condition affects females more frequently and can manifest with hypothyroidism.

Observation:

A 6-year-old patient presented with a suspected cyst at the tongue base during a routine examination for a sore throat.
Imaging revealed a vascular mass, later identified as ectopic thyroid tissue (lingual thyroid).
The case highlights the potential for lingual thyroid to be discovered incidentally.

Findings:

Diagnosis involves laboratory assessment of thyroid function and imaging, typically thyroid scintigraphy using technetium-pertechnetate (99mTc) or radioactive iodine (123I).

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Ectopic thyroid tissue can undergo all pathologies seen in normally located thyroid glands.

Treatment for hypothyroidism includes suppressive therapy or hormone substitution with levothyroxine, tailored to individual thyroid status.

Implications:

This case underscores the importance of considering lingual thyroid in the differential diagnosis of tongue base masses.
Accurate diagnosis and management are essential to prevent or treat hypothyroidism effectively.
Personalized levothyroxine dosing is critical for optimal therapeutic outcomes in patients with lingual thyroid.