Foramen thyroideum: a comparative study in embryos, fetuses, and adults.
The incidence and characteristics of foramen thyroideum (FT) in embryonic and/or fetal larynges have not been established. In the present study, 90 adult larynges and 53 embryonic-fetal larynges were studied. The incidence of FT during the embryonic-fetal period (57%) was statistically different from the adult period (31%) (P = 0.005). All the FT found in the adult period contained vessels and/or nerves, while in the embryonic and fetal period only 63% presented neurovascular elements (P < 0.001). The origin of FT in the embryonic period and its persistence during adult life is discussed.
León
X
X
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
Maranillo
E
E
Mirapeix
R M
RM
Quer
M
M
Sañudo
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged