Superior Thyroid Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The superior thyroid artery is an artery of the anterior neck. It is the first major branch of the external carotid artery. It supplies the thyroid gland and surrounding structures in the neck. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The superior thyroid artery arises from the external carotid artery within the carotid triangle of the neck, just below the greater horn of the hyoid bone. It travels inferiorly and anteriorly, along the lateral border of the thyrohyoid muscle and deep to the sternohyoid and omohyoid muscles. When it reaches the thyroid gland, it terminates by dividing into four branches: Infrahyoid – supplies the infrahyoid muscles. Superior laryngeal – supplies the structures within the upper larynx. Cricothyroid – supplies the cricothyroid muscle. Glandular – supplies the superior aspect of the thyroid gland. It is closely associated with the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve along its course. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Course of the superior thyroid artery. It has a highly variable branching pattern. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas The thyroid gland and surrounding structures. The thyroid gland and surrounding structures. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Supply The superior thyroid artery supplies the thyroid gland, infrahyoid muscles, upper larynx and cricothyroid muscle. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The superior thyroid artery contributes to the blood supply of the infrahyoid muscles of the neck Frequent questions What is the function of the superior thyroid artery? The superior thyroid artery primarily supplies blood to the thyroid gland and surrounding neck structures. It ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the thyroid gland, infrahyoid muscles, and upper larynx. Where does the superior thyroid artery originate? The superior thyroid artery is the first significant branch of the external carotid artery. It arises within the carotid triangle of the neck, just below the greater horn of the hyoid bone. What muscles does the superior thyroid artery supply? This artery supplies the infrahyoid muscles, cricothyroid muscle, and structures within the upper larynx. Additionally, it contributes to the vascularisation of the superior portion of the thyroid gland. How does the superior thyroid artery travel in the neck? The artery descends inferiorly and anteriorly along the lateral border of the thyrohyoid muscle, positioned deep to the sternohyoid and omohyoid muscles. This course allows it to effectively reach and supply the thyroid gland. What is the clinical significance of the superior thyroid artery? The superior thyroid artery's proximity to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is clinically important during neck surgeries. Injury to this artery can lead to complications affecting thyroid function and laryngeal structures. Rate This Article