A rare variation in the origin of the lingual artery: thyro-linguo-laryngeal trunk.

The anatomy of the external carotid artery and its variations are of ground significance in head and neck surgery. During a dissection of a male cadaver, an undescribed common trunk between superior thyroid, superior laryngeal, and lingual arteries was found. The variations of the anterior cervical branches of the external carotid artery and their clinical implications are discussed. The described unusual branching pattern of the external carotid artery must always be considered in invasive or non-invasive procedures because it may lead to unexpected complications.