Parathyroid Blood Supply — FRCA Primary MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: E — Inferior thyroid artery
The inferior thyroid artery (branch of the thyrocervical trunk) is the primary blood supply to both the superior and inferior parathyroid glands. This is why the inferior thyroid artery must be ligated close to the thyroid capsule during thyroidectomy to preserve parathyroid blood supply and avoid hypoparathyroidism.
Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum