The superior laryngeal artery is a branch of the superior thyroid artery that supplies the inside of the larynx above the vocal folds. It runs with the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and pierces the thyrohyoid membrane to enter the larynx. Inside, it supplies the mucosa and muscles of the supraglottis and anastomoses with the inferior laryngeal artery.
| Origin | Superior thyroid artery, a branch of the external carotid artery |
|---|---|
| Course | Runs medially with the internal laryngeal nerve below the greater horn of the hyoid and pierces the thyrohyoid membrane to enter the larynx |
| Branches |
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The artery is ligated during supraglottic and total laryngectomy and must be identified where it pierces the thyrohyoid membrane, which is also the landmark for superior laryngeal nerve block. It can bleed after laryngeal trauma or laser surgery of the supraglottis. Its course with the internal laryngeal nerve means injury to one often accompanies the other.
Postoperative bleeding from branches of the superior laryngeal artery after supraglottic resection can threaten the airway and may require return to theatre.
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