thyroglossal/thyrolingual duct

Endodermal tube in the embryo carrying thyroid tissue at its caudal end. Normally, it disappears when the thyroid gland has formed in its definitive location in the neck. Its origin is marked on the base of the adult tongue by the foramen cecum. Occasionally, incomplete regression results in formation of cysts along its embryonic course (thyroglossal cyst).

General

embryonic structure ductus

References

Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.