submental artery

The submental artery is a branch of the facial artery that runs forward beneath the chin (submandibular region) and supplies blood to the submental triangle, adjacent muscles, and overlying skin before turning upward at the chin.

The submental artery arises from the facial artery just before it crosses the lower edge of the mandible. It runs anteriorly below the lower jaw, along the inferior surface of the mylohyoid muscle, and then curves upward around the base of the chin to supply facial tissues.

The submental artery supplies blood to the mylohyoid and anterior digastric muscles, the submandibular and submental lymph nodes, the skin and soft tissues of the chin and submental region, and the lower lip area via anastomoses with labial arteries. It is also the primary vascular pedicle for the submental flap used in reconstructive surgery.

The submental artery is an important vascular pedicle in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, including its use in submental island flaps. It may also be relevant in the context of submandibular infections or facial trauma. Clinical assessment guides evaluation of this vessel.

The submental artery can be assessed with Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or conventional angiography, particularly in preoperative planning for reconstructive procedures. Its course and caliber are directly identified during surgical dissection in the submandibular and submental regions.