thyroidea ima artery (anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The thyroid ima artery only occurs in 1-2% of the population as a persistent embryonic vessels. It is a single vessel that ascends within the superior mediastinum and root of neck to the inferior margin of the thyroid. It may originate from the:

  • brachiocephalic trunk
  • arch of aorta
  • left common carotid artery