Vessel
Superior thyroid artery
Upper thyroid supply arising near the carotid bifurcation
High-yield
It is often the first external carotid branch, but that description is not universal. The nerve-artery relationship near the upper thyroid is similarly variable.
Overview
The superior thyroid artery usually arises from the external carotid artery and descends toward the upper thyroid pole. Origins at the carotid bifurcation or from the common carotid also occur. Its course approaches the external superior laryngeal nerve, with substantial individual variation.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually the external carotid artery near its origin; the carotid bifurcation and common carotid are important alternatives.
- Course
- Descends toward the superior thyroid pole beneath the infrahyoid muscles, dividing into glandular branches.
- Branches
- Infrahyoid, sternocleidomastoid, superior laryngeal, cricothyroid and glandular branches, with variable branching patterns.
- Supplies
- Upper thyroid and adjacent muscles; its superior laryngeal branch supplies the larynx, and parathyroid contributions may occur.
- Drains to
- Blood from the supplied thyroid tissue returns through thyroid veins; the superior thyroid vein generally reaches the internal jugular vein.
Clinical correlation
Damage to the nearby external superior laryngeal nerve can weaken cricothyroid function, reducing pitch control and vocal endurance. The arterial course alone cannot establish a safe surgical plane.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the superior thyroid artery originate?
Usually the external carotid artery near its origin; the carotid bifurcation and common carotid are important alternatives.
What does the superior thyroid artery supply?
Upper thyroid and adjacent muscles; its superior laryngeal branch supplies the larynx, and parathyroid contributions may occur.
Where does blood from the superior thyroid artery go?
Blood from the supplied thyroid tissue returns through thyroid veins; the superior thyroid vein generally reaches the internal jugular vein.
What are the branches of the superior thyroid artery?
Infrahyoid, sternocleidomastoid, superior laryngeal, cricothyroid and glandular branches, with variable branching patterns.