Abnormal Origin of Superior Laryngeal Artery and Its Clinical Significance: A Case Report

Superior laryngeal artery (SLA) is one of the main branches of the superior thyroid artery that its main function is to supply blood to the larynx. This artery is accompanied by the internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve; this relation has anatomical and surgical significance. In this paper, a case of anomalous origin of the superior laryngeal artery is reported. Abnormal origin of SLA from the common carotid artery was observed in about 2cm before its branching point during dissection of the anterolateral region of the neck of a 70-year-old male cadaver through performing standard Grant`s method. The SLA was traced until it passed through thyrohyoid membrane and entered the larynx. The abnormal origin of this artery from the lingual artery, external carotid artery, the facial and ascending pharyngeal artery had been previously reported.
A good understanding of the variation in origin of the SLA is necessary to avoid bleeding during surgery and also to avoid damage to the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.