What is foramen cecum?

Foramen cecum is a small, anatomical structure located at the base of the tongue, at the junction of the oral cavity and pharynx. It is a remnant of the thyroglossal duct, which is a structure that connects the thyroid gland to the tongue during fetal development.

The foramen cecum is important because it is the site from which the thyroglossal duct cyst, a type of congenital neck mass, can develop. This can occur if the duct fails to close completely during fetal development, leading to the accumulation of fluid and the formation of a cyst.

In some cases, a thyroglossal duct cyst may become infected or cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cyst and part of the thyroglossal duct to prevent recurrence.

Overall, the foramen cecum is a small but significant anatomical structure with the potential to cause health issues if not properly addressed.