c l i n i c a l f o l i o s : n a r r a t i v e





A D V E R T I S E M E N T

 

Thyroid Anatomy: 1

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   
 

The thyroid gland is enclosed in a thin layer of pretracheal or visceral fascia which also includes the trachea and esophagus. The visceral compartment of the neck is deep to the intermediate fascia surrounding the strap muscles and the investing fascia enclosing the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles (see neck anatomy images). Behind the visceral compartment is the prevertebral fascia overlying the cervical vertebrae (see brachial plexus anatomy). The space between the esophagus and prevertebral fascia extends down into the mediastinum. The recurrent laryngeal nerve is in the tracheoesophageal groove or anterior to it in the majority of individuals (details in subsequent images).    

Notes:

Link to this frame from your Personal Thumbnails page? Yes No


 

Thyroid Anatomy: 2

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   
 

The arterial supply to the thyroid comes principally from the superior and inferior thyroid arteries. The former arise from the external carotid and the latter are usually a branch of the thyrocervical trunk off the subclavian arteries. The inferior thyroid arteries pass behind the common carotids to reach the lower third of the thyroid gland on each side. Note the positions of the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves (details in subsequent images).      

Notes:

Link to this frame from your Personal Thumbnails page? Yes No


 

Thyroid Anatomy: 3

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   
 

The thyroid gland isthmus saddles one or two of the uppermost tracheal rings and usually blocks the site of an optimal tracheostomy. It is routinely divided in such cases. The lobes of the gland wrap posteriorly to embrace the upper trachea and lower larynx. The posterior face of each lobe lies on the carotid sheath (see also neck anatomy).      

Notes:

Link to this frame from your Personal Thumbnails page? Yes No

 

Click the "Update" button to save your Notes and Personal Thumbnails.

 

Thumbnails

This page was last modified on 12/10/1998.