On the A. thymica suprema, a provisionally named branch of the superior thyroid artery in the human.
Four cases (1 in an adult and 3 in fetuses) of a thymic artery arising from the superior thyroid artery were observed in 77 adult cadavers and 45 fetuses. These arteries were distinguished from the anterior and posterior rami, because they reached the thymus directly and, in most cases, had a sternomastoid ramus. Thus, the superior thyroid artery may supply both the thyroid gland and the thymus. The thymic artery in question might disappear in the earlier stage of development. The proximal portion of this thymic artery may remain either as the stem of the sternomastoid ramus or as a lateral ramus of the superior thyroid artery. This thymic artery is suggested to be called the "supreme thymic artery", A. thymica suprema, according to its location and anatomical significance.
Department of Anatomy, Akita University School of Medicine, Japan.
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Yamasaki
D001158:Arteries; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000196:embryology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000196:embryology