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What is the thyroid gland? The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the larynx. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism by producing hormones.
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Describe the microscopic structure of the thyroid gland.
- The thyroid gland is composed of follicles lined by epithelial cells.
- Follicles contain colloid, a protein-rich substance.
- Parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, are present in the thyroid gland.
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Correlate the microscopic structure of the thyroid gland with its function. The follicular cells produce thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, which are essential for regulating metabolism. Parafollicular cells produce calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.
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What is the pituitary gland? The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing hormones.
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Describe the microscopic structure of the pituitary gland.
- The pituitary gland is composed of two lobes: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe.
- The anterior lobe is composed of glandular cells that produce various hormones.
- The posterior lobe is composed of axons of hypothalamic neurons that release oxytocin and vasopressin.
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Correlate the microscopic structure of the pituitary gland with its function. The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces hormones such as TSH, ACTH, and FSH, which regulate various bodily functions like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland releases oxytocin and vasopressin, which regulate uterine contractions and water reabsorption in the kidneys.
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Describe the microscopic structure of the tongue.
- The tongue is composed of the following tissues: skin, muscles, and glands.
- The skin of the tongue is composed of stratified squamous epithelium.
- The muscles of the tongue are composed of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles.
- The glands of the tongue are composed of mucous glands and serous glands.
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Correlate the microscopic structure of the tongue with its function. The skin of the tongue helps in protecting the underlying tissues. The muscles of the tongue help in moving the tongue for speaking, eating, and swallowing. The glands of the tongue produce mucus and saliva that help in lubricating food during swallowing.
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What are the applied aspects of systemic histology of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue?
- The thyroid gland is often affected by diseases like goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism, which can be diagnosed through histopathological examination.
- The pituitary gland is often affected by diseases like pituitary tumors and hypopituitarism, which can be diagnosed through histopathological examination.
- The tongue is often affected by diseases like oral cancer, which can be diagnosed through histopathological examination.
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Correlate the applied aspects of systemic histology of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue with histopathology. Histopathological examination of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue can help in diagnosing various diseases and conditions affecting these organs. Microscopic examination of tissue samples can help in identifying abnormal cell growth, inflammation, and other pathological changes.
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Explain the developmental process of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue.
- The thyroid gland develops from the thyroid diverticulum in the floor of the pharynx around the 6th week of embryonic development.
- The pituitary gland develops from an upward growth of the Rathke's pouch in the roof of the embryonic mouth around the 2nd month of embryonic development.
- The tongue develops from the first and second pharyngeal arches around the 4th week of embryonic development.
- What are the nerve supplies of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue?
- The thyroid gland is supplied by the cervical plexus and the superior and inferior thyroid arteries.
- The pituitary gland is supplied by the hypothalamus and the pituitary stalk.
- The tongue is supplied by the lingual nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve.
- What are the blood supplies of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue?
- The thyroid gland is supplied by the superior and inferior thyroid arteries.
- The pituitary gland is supplied by the inferior hypophyseal artery and the superior hypophyseal arteries.
- The tongue is supplied by the lingual artery, a branch of the external carotid artery.
- What are the lymphatic drainage of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and tongue?
- The thyroid gland is drained by the lymph nodes in the neck.
- The pituitary gland is drained by the lymph nodes in the sella turcica.
- The tongue is drained by the submandibular and submental lymph nodes.
- Explain the muscle action sequence of the tongue.
- The extrinsic muscles of the tongue help in moving the tongue for speaking, eating, and swallowing.
- The intrinsic muscles of the tongue help in changing the shape and position of the tongue.
- The muscles of the tongue act in conjunction with the other muscles of the face and neck to facilitate speech, eating, and swallowing.