The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is an endocrine structure located in the neck. It plays a key role in
regulating the metabolic rate of the body.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the thyroid gland – its position, blood
supply, and clinical correlations.
Anatomical Location
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior neck and spans the C5-T1 vertebrae. It
consists of two lobes (left and right), which are connected by a central isthmus
anteriorly – this produces a butterfly-shape appearance.
The lobes of the thyroid gland are wrapped around the cricoid cartilage and superior
rings of the trachea. The gland is located within the visceral compartment of the
neck (along with the trachea, oesophagus and pharynx). This compartment is bound
by the pretracheal fascia.
The thyroid gland is an endocrine structure located in the neck. It plays a key role in
regulating the metabolic rate of the body.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the thyroid gland – its position, blood
supply, and clinical correlations.
Anatomical Location
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior neck and spans the C5-T1 vertebrae. It
consists of two lobes (left and right), which are connected by a central isthmus
anteriorly – this produces a butterfly-shape appearance.
The lobes of the thyroid gland are wrapped around the cricoid cartilage and superior
rings of the trachea. The gland is located within the visceral compartment of the
neck (along with the trachea, oesophagus and pharynx). This compartment is bound
by the pretracheal fascia.
