The document discusses the anatomy, embryology, histology, relations, blood supply, physiology, regulation of secretion, functions, and benign conditions of the thyroid gland. Some key points:
- The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck, overlying the trachea. It weighs 20-25g and is larger in females.
- It develops from endodermal cells in the floor of the pharynx and forms as a diverticulum that elongates into the thyro-glossal duct.
- The gland contains follicles composed of epithelial cells and colloid containing thyroglobulin, the precursor of thyroid hormones.
- Benign conditions include non