Anatomical Variations of the Superior Thyroid Artery Location and Emergence Pattern

Objectives: The goal of this study is to determine the distance between the Superior Thyroid Artery (STA) and the bifurcation point of the Common Carotid Artery (CCA) and to observe any anomalies that may occur in the STA emergence relative to the CCA in the North American population.

Methods: Neck dissection was performed in 19 formalin-embalmed adult cadavers in the gross anatomy laboratory at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry. The carotid sheath was dissected to examine the bifurcation point of the CCA and the STA emergence. The distance (in mm) from the Common Carotid bifurcation to the STA branch was measured.
Results: Variations of STA emergence between different cadavers was observed. The average distance from Common Carotid bifurcation to the STA was 5.71 ± 5.04 mm. Furthermore, STA emerged directly from the CCA in two cadavers.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated the existence of anatomical variations in the STA emergence pattern and the distance from the STA to the CCA bifurcation. These results agree with previous studies regarding the emergence of the STA directly from the CCA in some cadavers. Dental students should be aware of such anatomical variations that may exist in their future patients.