Fig. (2) Dissection of the carotid triangle of the neck illustrating
the carotid arteries and their branches. Note that superior thyroid
artery (STA) is arising from the common carotid artery (CCA)
instead of external carotid artery (ECA). Similarly, superior
laryngeal artery (SLA) is originating from the external carotid
artery (ECA) instead of superior thyroid artery (STA). The position
of the forceps indicates the upper border of thyroid cartilage (UBT)
which is the normal level of common carotid artery bifurcation.
(LA- Lingual artery, TC- Thyroid cartilage, TG- Thyroid gland,
SCM- Sternocleidomastoid, ICA- Internal carotid artery, HNHypoglossal
nerve, PD- Posterior belly of digastric).