Superior thyroid artery

Superior Thyroid Artery

The superior thyroid artery and its branches.

The Superior Thyroid Artery is an artery in the neck that supplies blood to the thyroid gland. It is the first branch of the external carotid artery, and it also provides blood to the larynx, pharynx, and superior cervical ganglion.

Anatomy

The superior thyroid artery originates from the external carotid artery just below the level of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone. It descends to the upper pole of the thyroid gland, where it divides into anterior and posterior branches. The anterior branch supplies the anterior surface of the thyroid gland, while the posterior branch supplies the posterior surface and the parathyroid glands.

Clinical significance

The superior thyroid artery is often used as a landmark in surgical procedures involving the neck. Its location and course make it a useful reference point for identifying other structures in the neck, such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the thyroid gland itself. Damage to the superior thyroid artery during surgery can lead to significant bleeding and potential complications.

See also

• Thyroid gland
• External carotid artery
• Inferior thyroid artery