Any manipulation of the superior thyroid artery must be undertaken with care not to damage what small companion nerve?
ExplanationThe superior thyroid artery and the external laryngeal nerve travel together toward the thyroid gland from a more superior position. The superior laryngeal nerve splits into the internal and external branch at about the level the superior thyroid artery comes off the external carotid artery. The internal laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane and supplies sensation to the larynx. The external laryngeal nerve travels with the superior thyroid artery to supply the cricothyroid muscle. The recurrent (inferior) laryngeal nerve supplies the remaining muscles of the larynx. The recurrent (inferior) laryngeal nerve travels with the inferior thyroid artery into the
