Lingual artery

Lingual Artery

The Lingual Artery is one of the branches of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the tongue. It is a vital part of the circulatory system in the head and neck region.

Anatomy

The lingual artery originates from the anterior aspect of the external carotid artery. It travels upwards and forwards to reach the greater horn of the hyoid bone. From there, it turns downwards and forwards, passing beneath the middle constrictor muscle of the pharynx to reach the tongue.

Branches

The lingual artery gives off several branches, including:

• The suprahyoid branch which supplies the suprahyoid muscles
• The dorsal lingual branches which supply the posterior third of the tongue
• The deep lingual artery which supplies the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

Clinical Significance

The lingual artery is of clinical importance in procedures involving the tongue, such as tongue biopsy and tongue cancer surgery. It can also be involved in conditions such as lingual artery aneurysm and lingual artery pseudoaneurysm.

See Also

• External carotid artery
• Tongue
• Circulatory system

References

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  3D Medical Animation of Lingual Artery
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  Lingual Artery Diagram
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  Lingual Artery Cross-section