During thyroidectomy, the arterial supply common to BOTH the superior and inferior parathyroid glands is usually derived from:

• A Ascending cervical artery
• B Superior thyroid artery
• C Thyroidea ima artery
• D Inferior thyroid artery ✓

Explanation

Although the superior parathyroids lie near the superior pole, their endocrine parenchyma is supplied by a branch of the inferior thyroid artery in the large majority of cases, and the inferior parathyroids are likewise supplied by the inferior thyroid artery. This is why ligating the terminal branches of the inferior thyroid artery on the capsule of the thyroid, rather than taking the main trunk away from the gland, is emphasised to preserve parathyroid viability. The superior thyroid artery contributes variably but is not the consistent supply.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Surgeons, 42nd ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.