Lingual veins

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

The lingual veins (Gray's anatomy)

The lingual veins are a group of veins located in the mouth that drain the tongue. They are part of the venous system and play a crucial role in the circulatory system.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The lingual veins originate from the venous plexus on the surface of the tongue. They are divided into two groups: the dorsal lingual veins and the deep lingual veins. The dorsal lingual veins drain the back of the tongue, while the deep lingual veins drain the front.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the lingual veins is to return deoxygenated blood from the tongue to the heart. They also help regulate the temperature of the tongue and assist in the process of taste.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities or injuries to the lingual veins can lead to various medical conditions. For example, varicose veins can occur in the lingual veins, leading to discomfort and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, lingual veins can also be a source of pulmonary embolism.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD