Anomalous Origin of the Superior Thyroid Artery from the Internal Carotid Artery

Adegbenro Omotuyi John Fakoya; Neha Subedi; Jennifer Beniquez Martir; Byron Chique Carreras; Abayomi Gbolahan Afolabi; Thomas McCracken

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.4549

Authors

Adegbenro Omotuyi John Fakoya Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Neha Subedi Department of Anatomical Sciences, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Jennifer Beniquez Martir Department of Anatomical Sciences, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Byron Chique Carreras Department of Anatomical Sciences, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Abayomi Gbolahan Afolabi Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Thomas McCracken Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.4549

Keywords:

Superior thyroid artery, Internal carotid artery, External carotid artery, Common carotid artery

Abstract

Anatomical anomalies in the human body are common, and their description helps physicians and surgeons during treatment. This article presents the discovery of an abnormal arterial branch originating from the internal carotid artery (ICA). Typically, this artery does not give off branches until it passes through the carotid canal, but during a cadaveric dissection of a 58-year-old female, the superior thyroid artery (STA) was found to be originating from the ICA. Some common variations of the origin of the STA are the common carotid and at the bifurcation of the Common carotid, but rarely, has it been seen origination from the ICA. No known health implication of this variation has been reported, although surgeries can become difficult since the artery is used as an anatomical landmark.

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