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Why can a thyroglossal duct remain after the thyroid gland develops?

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Detailed anatomical illustration of the human thyroid gland and surrounding structures, showing the right and left lobes, isthmus, nearby arteries, veins, nerves, lymph nodes, and cartilage in the neck. — thyroid gland Human thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland originates as a downward outpouching from the floor of the pharynx. During development, the gland migrates from this initial position to its final location along the trachea. A thyroglossal duct is simply a persisting remnant of this migration path.1