Anatomy & Histology · single question
Where is the lingual thyroid gland most commonly located?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Base of tongue (posterior)
A lingual thyroid results from failure of the thyroid gland to descend from its embryologic origin at the foramen cecum. It is therefore located at the base (posterior part) of the tongue, near the foramen cecum. It appears as a midline reddish-brown mass at the tongue base. It may be the only functional thyroid tissue in some patients — always check thyroid function before removal.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Lingual thyroid occurs at the base of the tongue, near the foramen cecum, due to failed descent during embryogenesis.
- B. ❌ The submandibular triangle contains the submandibular gland, not an ectopic thyroid.
- C. ❌ Lateral neck masses from thyroid tissue are thyroglossal duct remnants or lateral ectopic thyroid, not lingual thyroid.
- D. ❌ The anterior floor of mouth is not the location of a lingual thyroid.
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