Artery Lingual

The lingual artery is a blood vessel that supplies blood to the tongue, pharynx and oral cavity. It is one of the most important arteries of the head and neck, playing an important role in nourishing the tissues of these areas. In this article, we will review the anatomy, function, and diseases associated with the lingual artery.

Anatomy of the lingual artery The lingual artery passes through the posterior surface of the tongue and enters its root. It is divided into two branches: the superior and inferior lingual vessels. The superior lingual vessel ascends to the tip of the tongue, where it gives rise to the superior labial artery, which then passes to the upper lip. The inferior lingual vessel descends down to the lower part of the tongue and ends in the region of its root, where a small terminal branch is formed.

The function of the lingual artery is to transport blood from the heart to the brain, through the temporal, masticatory, buccal and pterygomandibular veins. This artery also provides nutrition to the tissues of the respiratory tract, including the oral area and larynx.

Conditions associated with the lingual artery can include narrowing or blockage, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the tongue, pharynx, and mouth. This can cause a variety of symptoms, such as numbness and soreness in the tongue and roof of the mouth, difficulty speaking, fatigue and swelling in the face.