Lingual branch

Lingual Branch

The lingual branch refers to a division of a nerve or blood vessel that supplies the tongue. It is most commonly associated with the lingual nerve and the lingual artery, both of which are crucial components of the oral and circulatory systems, respectively.

Lingual Nerve

The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself a division of the trigeminal nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, including the perception of taste via the chorda tympani nerve. Damage to the lingual nerve can result in dysgeusia (distorted sense of taste) or anesthesia (loss of sensation) in the affected area of the tongue.

Lingual Artery

The lingual artery is a branch of the external carotid artery. It supplies oxygenated blood to the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the palatine tonsils. Variations in the course of the lingual artery are common and can have clinical implications during surgical procedures in the oral cavity.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy and function of the lingual branch is crucial in various medical fields, including anesthesiology, otolaryngology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. For instance, in procedures such as a tonsillectomy or glossectomy, care must be taken to avoid damaging the lingual nerve or artery.

See Also

• Hypoglossal nerve
• Glossopharyngeal nerve
• Tongue

References

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