Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

08:17
Low-Dose Gamma Radiation Sterilization for Decellularized Tracheal Grafts
Published on: April 14, 2023
933
Black thyroid gland and tracheal cartilage
Audrey Lam1, Brent Kaufmann2, Kelly Cunningham3
1Division of Internal Medicine, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois, USA audrey.lam@carle.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|January 20, 2023
Summary
Long-term minocycline use can cause thyroid and tracheal cartilage discoloration due to melanin deposits. This benign finding, termed "black thyroid," requires no intervention and should be recognized by physicians before neck surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, is widely used for various infections and inflammatory conditions.
- Chronic minocycline administration is associated with pigmentation of tissues, including nails, teeth, bones, and skin.
- Thyroid gland pigmentation due to minocycline is a rare but documented phenomenon.
Related Concept Videos
Trachea
2.4K
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
2.4K
The Thyroid Gland
4.1K
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...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
4.1K
Larynx
1.9K
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
1.9K
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
1.3K
The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
1.3K
The Bronchial Tree
3.3K
The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
3.3K
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
2.1K
The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
2.1K

