Where is the lingual artery located?
The artery arises from the external carotid artery just above the previous branch, sometimes forming a common trunk with the facial artery — truncus linguofacialis. It lies above the greater horn of the hyoid bone, running anteriorly and medially. The vessel enters the floor of the oral cavity along the medial side of the m. hyoglossus muscle (medial to it). Further, the artery runs toward the tip of the tongue between the m. genioglossus and m. longitudinalis inferior muscles, positioned closer to the inferior surface of the organ.
What branches does the a. lingualis give off?
During its course, the artery gives off several key branches:
- Sublingual artery (a. sublingualis) — supplies the tissues of the floor of the oral cavity, the sublingual salivary gland, and the gingiva.
- Deep artery of the tongue (a. profunda linguae) — the terminal branch running within the substance of the tongue to its very tip, where it anastomoses with the contralateral artery.
- Dorsal branches (rr. dorsales linguae) — numerous branches located within the substance of the tongue and directed toward its dorsum and tonsil.
- The suprahyoid branch (r. suprahyoideus), which supplies the suprahyoid muscles, is also distinguished.
What is the topographical significance of Pirogov's triangle?
To access the lingual artery in surgery, Pirogov's triangle is used. Its boundaries are: superiorly — the hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus, XII cranial nerve), anteriorly — the posterior border of the m. mylohyoideus, inferiorly and posteriorly — the tendon of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle (m. digastricus). The floor of the triangle is formed by the m. hyoglossus muscle, which separates the lingual vein (passing superficially) from the lingual artery (lying deep beneath the muscle). To reach the artery, it is necessary to dissect the fibers of this muscle.
What is the clinical significance of the lingual artery?
Ligation of the lingual artery within Pirogov's triangle is used during tongue surgeries to reduce its blood supply. In clinical practice, the vessel's proximity to the m. hyoglossus is also taken into account: this muscle separates the artery (lying medially) from the lingual vein and hypoglossal nerve, which run on its superficial side.
Pirogov holds the NERVE (n. hypoglossus) superiorly, the MUSCLE (m. mylohyoideus) anteriorly, the TENDON OF THE POSTERIOR BELLY of the digastric muscle (m. digastricus) inferiorly, and the ARTERY (a. lingualis) hides on the floor.
Class and exam questions
From which major artery does the lingual artery arise?
The lingual artery is the second branch of the external carotid artery (a. carotis externa).
Which muscle separates the lingual artery from the vein and nerve?
The m. hyoglossus muscle separates the lingual artery (lying on its deep surface) from the lingual vein and hypoglossal nerve (running on its superficial side).
Where is Pirogov's triangle located?
This triangle serves as a surgical approach to the lingual artery; it is bounded by the hypoglossal nerve, the posterior border of the m. mylohyoideus, and the tendon of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle.
What are the main branches of the a. lingualis?
The artery gives off the sublingual artery (a. sublingualis), the deep artery of the tongue (a. profunda linguae), the dorsal branches (rr. dorsales linguae), and the suprahyoid branch (r. suprahyoideus).
What else to study on this topic
- External carotid artery (a. carotis externa)
- Facial artery (a. facialis)
- Topographic anatomy of the neck
- Hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus)
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