Thyrocervical trunk

Thyrocervical trunk is a branch of the subclavian artery arising from the first part of this artery from the medial side. The thyrocervical trunk is a short, thick vessel that divides into the inferior thyroid artery, transverse cervical artery, and suprascapular artery.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The thyrocervical trunk arises from the anterior aspect of the subclavian artery, posterior to the vagus nerve and anterior to the anterior scalene muscle. It ascends for a short distance and divides into four branches: the inferior thyroid artery, transverse cervical artery, suprascapular artery, and ascending cervical artery.

Inferior Thyroid Artery[edit | edit source]

The inferior thyroid artery is the largest branch of the thyrocervical trunk. It ascends to the lower part of the thyroid gland, supplying it with blood.

Transverse Cervical Artery[edit | edit source]

The transverse cervical artery runs laterally in the posterior triangle of the neck, supplying blood to the trapezius and rhomboid muscles.

Suprascapular Artery[edit | edit source]

The suprascapular artery runs laterally across the anterior scalene and phrenic nerve, supplying blood to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

Ascending Cervical Artery[edit | edit source]

The ascending cervical artery is a small branch that ascends on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, supplying them with blood.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The thyrocervical trunk and its branches are important in several clinical scenarios. They can be involved in thyroid disorders, neck injuries, and surgical procedures in the neck region.

References[edit | edit source]

Thyrocervical trunk Resources
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