ABSTRACT
Thyroid gland disease is common. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed in about 4% of females in UK and for malignancy, there are about 400 deaths per annum from thyroid tumours of all types. The metabolic rate of many tissues is controlled by the thyroid hormones and over activity and under activity of the gland are common clinical problems. The thyroid gland consists of two lateral lobes connected by an isthmus. It is attached to the thyroid cartilages and to the upper end of the trachea, and thus moves on swallowing. Embryologically it originates from the base of tongue and descends in the neck to its adult pre-tracheal position.
