Inferior thyroid artery

Thyrocervical_trunk.png

The inferior thyroid artery is a vital blood vessel in the neck that supplies blood to the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. It is one of the two main arteries that provide blood to the thyroid gland, the other being the superior thyroid artery.

Anatomy

The inferior thyroid artery typically arises from the thyrocervical trunk, which is a branch of the subclavian artery. It ascends vertically and then curves medially towards the thyroid gland. The artery passes behind the carotid sheath, which contains the common carotid artery, the internal jugular vein, and the vagus nerve.

Branches

The inferior thyroid artery gives off several branches:

• Ascending cervical artery
• Inferior laryngeal artery
• Tracheal branches
• Esophageal branches
• Glandular branches to the thyroid gland

Function

The primary function of the inferior thyroid artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the thyroid gland, which is essential for the gland's metabolic activities. It also provides blood to the parathyroid glands, the larynx, the trachea, and the esophagus.

Clinical significance

Damage to the inferior thyroid artery can occur during surgical procedures involving the thyroid gland, such as a thyroidectomy. Injury to this artery can lead to significant bleeding and complications. Additionally, the artery's close relationship with the recurrent laryngeal nerve makes it a critical structure to consider during surgery to avoid nerve damage, which can result in vocal cord paralysis.

See also

• Superior thyroid artery
• Thyroid gland
• Thyrocervical trunk
• Subclavian artery
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve