Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Anatomical variations of the thyroid gland: An experimental cadaveric study
Ali Al-Azzawi1, Tokiharu Takahashi2
1The University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester, UK.
Introduction:
The thyroid gland displays numerous variations in its anatomy. Understanding the variations that occur can benefit diagnosis of thyroid disorders and improve management. The aim of this study was to investigate how factors such as age and sex may influence variations in the thyroid.
Methods:
Twenty cadavers (10 males & 10 females) with a mean age of 78 were dissected. Variations in anatomy and vasculature were examined. Correlation between age and thyroid size was tested for significance using GraphPad prism 7.
Results:
Most cadavers, 65%, had the superior thyroid artery originating from the external carotid artery, while 25% were from the bifurcation and 10% from the common carotid. The average weight for thyroids was 19.9 g in males and 13.9 g in females. A significant negative correlation was found between age and thyroid size.
Discussion:
Thyroid gland variations, such as pyramidal lobes which affected 30% of cadavers, could impact medical interventions. Evidence from this study has confirmed the high incidence of such variations emphasising the requirement for preoperative imaging.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
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...
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct...