30 Questions
When does the thyroid gland usually reach its final position in the neck during development?
Week 7
What is the remnant of the thyroglossal duct located anterior to the sulcus terminalis of the tongue called?
Foramen cecum
At what week of development does the thyroid diverticulum bifurcate at the tip of the lobes of the gland?
Week 5
What is the structure that connects the developing thyroid gland to the tongue called?
Thyroglossal duct
During which week of development does the thyroid diverticulum evaginate ventrally into the mesoderm to form?
Week 4
Which endocrine gland is the first to develop, approximately 24 days after fertilization?
Thyroid gland
What is the most common congenital anomaly related to the pancreatic system?
Pancreatic divisum
Which condition is characterized by an absent normal posterior pituitary bright spot within the sella turcica?
Ectopic posterior pituitary
What happens in agenesis/hypogenesis of the pituitary gland?
Lack of formation of the pituitary gland
What causes an ectopic bright signal at a site like the median eminence in an imaging study?
Ectopic posterior pituitary
What is the cause of duplication of the pituitary gland?
Rare craniofacial developmental anomalies
Which condition results from a tumor arising from a remnant of Rathke’s pouch?
Congenital tumor of the gland (craniopharyngioma)
Which part of the pancreas is mainly formed by the ventral pancreatic bud?
Head
What is the likely consequence of the development of an annular pancreas?
Complete obstruction of the duodenum
At what gestational age do insulin secretion from beta cells in pancreatic islets begin?
10 weeks
Where do ectopic pancreatic cells commonly lead to inflammation and mucosal bleeds?
Stomach
What is the origin of the neurohypophysial bud which forms the posterior pituitary gland?
Neuroectoderm
Which cell type in the pancreas is responsible for glucagon secretion?
Alpha cells
Which zone of the adrenal cortex is present at birth?
Zona glomerulosa
What causes masculinization of external genitalia in females during fetal development?
Mutation in genes for 21-hydroxylase enzyme
What syndrome is characterized by early development of secondary sexual characters in males due to adrenal cortex hyperplasia?
Adrenogenital syndrome
Where might ectopic adrenal tissue or gland be found in some congenital anomalies?
Fused to the kidney deep in its capsule
Which enzyme deficiency commonly leads to congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
21-hydroxylase
What is the primary effect of adrenocortical steroid biosynthesis enzyme mutations during fetal development?
Increased testosterone production
What is the fate of Rathke's pouch in embryonic development?
Forms the adenohypophysis
Which structure is derived from the 4th pharyngeal pouch?
Superior parathyroids and ultimobranchial body
Where does the dorsal pancreatic bud give rise to structures in embryonic development?
Superior part of the head, body, and tail of pancreas
What is the fate of the ventral pancreatic bud during development?
Forms the inferior part of the head of the pancreas and uncinate process
Which gland is located anterior to the pharynx, arising from the thyroid diverticulum?
Thyroid gland
What structure gives rise to parafollicular cells in embryonic development?
Ultimobranchial body
Study Notes
Thyroid Gland Development
- The thyroid gland usually reaches its final position in the neck by the 7th week of development.
- The remnant of the thyroglossal duct located anterior to the sulcus terminalis of the tongue is called the foramen cecum.
- The thyroid diverticulum bifurcates at the tip of the lobes of the gland around the 5th week of development.
- The thyroglossal duct connects the developing thyroid gland to the tongue.
Endocrine Gland Development
- The thyroid gland is the first endocrine gland to develop, approximately 24 days after fertilization.
Pancreatic System Development
- The most common congenital anomaly related to the pancreatic system is an annular pancreas.
- The dorsal pancreatic bud gives rise to the majority of the pancreas.
- The ventral pancreatic bud mainly forms the uncinate process and inferior part of the head of the pancreas.
Pituitary Gland Development
- Agenesis or hypogenesis of the pituitary gland results in a lack of development of the pituitary gland.
- An ectopic bright signal at a site like the median eminence in an imaging study is caused by an ectopic posterior pituitary gland.
- Duplication of the pituitary gland can occur due to a persistent craniopharyngeal canal.
- Craniopharyngioma is a condition that results from a tumor arising from a remnant of Rathke’s pouch.
Pancreatic Cell Development
- Insulin secretion from beta cells in pancreatic islets begins around 12 weeks of gestation.
- Ectopic pancreatic cells commonly lead to inflammation and mucosal bleeds in Meckel's diverticulum.
- Alpha cells in the pancreas are responsible for glucagon secretion.
Adrenal Gland Development
- The zona glomerulosa is present at birth.
- Masculinization of external genitalia in females during fetal development is caused by androgen exposure.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a syndrome characterized by early development of secondary sexual characters in males due to adrenal cortex hyperplasia.
- Ectopic adrenal tissue or gland can be found in some congenital anomalies, such as in the spleen or liver.
- 21-hydroxylase deficiency commonly leads to congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Adrenocortical steroid biosynthesis enzyme mutations during fetal development can lead to abnormalities in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production.
Other Developmental Anomalies
- Rathke's pouch forms the anterior pituitary gland.
- The 4th pharyngeal pouch gives rise to the ultimobranchial body, which forms the parafollicular cells.
- The thyroid diverticulum gives rise to the thyroid gland, located anterior to the pharynx.
Test your knowledge about rare pancreatic anomalies such as agenesis, annular pancreas, and ectopic pancreas. Learn about their causes, symptoms, and consequences.
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