Occurrence of Thyroid Foramina - A Clinico - Anatomical Correlation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56412/gmcp.2026.9.01.222Keywords:
Foramen Thyroideum, Thyroid Cartilage, Larynx, Internal Laryngeal Nerve, Superior Laryngeal Nerve (SLN)Abstract
Introduction: The larynx is a sphincteric device and an organ of phonation. One of its cartilages is thyroid cartilage which houses the thyroid foramina. The foramen thyroideum (FT) is commonly circular and may contain nerves, vessels, neurovascular bundles, and connective tissue. Among these structures, the most important are the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) and the superior laryngeal arteries and veins. It is useful for Radiologists, Head and Neck surgeons. Reconstructive surgeries and ENT surgeons to plan and perform advanced surgical procedures of the larynx.
Aim: Analyze the Incidence and Distribution of Thyroid Foramina and perform its anatomico-clinical & surgical correlation
Material and Method: 15 Cadaveric thyroid cartilages were taken from Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College & Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. Thyroid cartilages were cleaned & dried. Incidence and pattern of distribution of thyroid foramina was studied.
Result: Single foramen thyroideum towards the superior border was present in 60% of the specimens. Out of which in 44.4% of specimens it was present in the right lamina, in 33.3% of specimens in the left lamina and in 22.2% of specimens it was bilateral. A total of 11 foramina with [Right:Left :: 6:5] was observed and Position of foramen thyroideum with the Oblique line in the right lamina was anterior in 16.7% of specimens, posterior in 33.3% specimens and at oblique line in 50% of specimens while in left lamina it was anterior in 20% specimens, posterior in 60% and at oblique line in 20% of specimens.
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