How does the superior thyroid artery relate to the external carotid artery?

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Detailed anatomical illustration of the human thyroid gland and surrounding structures, showing the right and left lobes, isthmus, nearby arteries, veins, nerves, lymph nodes, and cartilage in the neck. — thyroid gland Human thyroid gland.

The superior thyroid artery is a direct branch of the external carotid artery. As the external carotid artery ascends through the upper portion of the neck, it gives off several branches to supply various structures in the head and neck region, with the superior thyroid artery serving as the primary branch responsible for supplying blood to the larynx and the thyroid gland.1