Arteria lingualis

Arteria Lingualis is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the tongue and surrounding tissues. It is a vital component of the circulatory system in the human body.

Anatomy

The Arteria Lingualis originates from the external carotid artery in the neck, near the level of the hyoid bone. It travels forward, under the omohyoid, sternohyoid, and mylohyoid muscles, and then upwards to the under surface of the tongue.

Branches

The Arteria Lingualis gives off several branches, including:

• Dorsal lingual arteries: These supply the back of the tongue.
• Deep lingual artery: This is the terminal branch of the lingual artery and supplies the anterior part of the tongue.
• Sublingual artery: This artery supplies the sublingual gland, the mylohyoid muscle, and the mucous membrane of the mouth and gums.

Clinical Significance

The Arteria Lingualis is of clinical importance in procedures such as tongue surgery and tongue piercing. Damage to this artery can result in significant bleeding due to its rich blood supply. In addition, the artery's proximity to the lingual nerve means that damage could potentially result in sensory loss or impairment in the tongue.

See Also

• External carotid artery
• Circulatory system
• Tongue