European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: To estimate dimensions of thyroid gland and look for frequent anatomic variations of it.
Methods: 60 specimens (52 male, 8 female) of thyroid gland were studied in the Department of Anatomy. Position of the lobe & isthmus of thyroid gland was noted in relation to the thyroid cartilage and trachea. Length, transverse diameter, and anteroposterior diameter of lobes & isthmus as well as thyroid gland weight was measured. The thyroid gland was looked for any anatomical variations.
Results: The mean value of right lobe length was (4.69cm vs 4.6cm) and left lobe was (4.48cm vs 4.11cm). The transverse diameter of right lobe was found to be (1.94cm vs 1.93cm) whereas for the left lobe it was noted as (2.07 vs 1.71cm). The anteroposterior diameter of right lobe was (1.10cm vs 0.87cm) and left lobe was (1.03cm vs 0.96cm). The mean length of isthmus was (1.31cm vs 1.24cm) and width was found to be (1.71cm vs 1.68cm). Thyroid gland weight was measured as 14.9 g &12.48 g in males & females respectively. Pyramidal lobe and levator glandulae thyroideae were observed in 27(45%) and 12(20%) thyroid specimens respectively. Isthmus was absent in one case.
Conclusion: A sound knowledge of normal anatomy and awareness of variant forms of thyroid gland enable the surgeons to achieve the goal of safer thyroid operations.