The parathyroid artery is the

blood vessel The blood vessels are the components of the circulatory system that transport blood throughout the human body. These vessels transport blood cells, nutrients, and oxygen to the tissues of the body. They also take waste and carbon dioxide away ...

that carries blood to each of the

parathyroid glands Parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck of humans and other tetrapods. Humans usually have four parathyroid glands, located on the back of the thyroid gland in variable locations. The parathyroid gland produces and secretes pa ...

. The parathyroid artery is the single individual artery that provides oxygenated blood supply to the parathyroid glands. While studies have concluded that most subjects' parathyroid glands are supplied by the thyroid arteries, up to 45% have been determined to have a "distinct anastomosing branch between the inferior and the

superior thyroid arteries The superior thyroid artery arises from the external carotid artery just below the level of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone and ends in the thyroid gland. Structure From its origin under the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid the super ...

." Some have been shown to contain two or more parathyroid arteries.

References

Arteries of the head and neck {{circulatory-stub