The external carotid artery has multiple branches in the neck. Which is its FIRST branch?
- A Lingual artery
- B Facial artery
- C Superior thyroid artery ✓
- D Ascending pharyngeal artery
Correct answer: C. Superior thyroid artery
Explanation
The superior thyroid artery is the first branch of the external carotid artery, arising from its anterior surface just above the common carotid bifurcation. It descends alongside the external laryngeal nerve to reach the thyroid gland. The lingual and facial arteries arise more distally, and the ascending pharyngeal artery arises from the medial aspect.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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