For the thyroid, which is TRUE?

• A. the thyroid isthmus crosses the thyroid cartilage
• B. the superior thyroid arteries are branches off the internal carotid arteries
• C. the posterior surface lies on the carotid sheaths
• D. the inferior thyroid arteries are branches off the external carotid arteries
• E. the recurrent laryngeal nerves pass anteriorly to each lateral lobe