deep lingual artery

The deep lingual artery is the terminal branch of the lingual artery and is the principal supplier of blood to the body and tip of the tongue. It travels in a tortuous course along the underside (ventral surface) of the tongue, between the longitudinalis inferior muscle and the tongue mucosa.

The deep lingual artery runs along the ventral (under) surface of the tongue, coursing anteriorly toward the tongue tip. It lies superficially beneath the mucous membrane of the tongue floor, between the inferior longitudinal muscle and the mucosa, where it can sometimes be seen through the thin overlying tissue.

The deep lingual artery provides the primary blood supply to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, including the tongue body and tip. It supplies the intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles, the taste buds on the tongue surface, and the mucosa of the tongue's ventral surface.

The deep lingual artery is relevant in tongue surgery, lingual frenuloplasty, and the vascular supply considerations of oral cavity tumors. Iatrogenic injury to this vessel may be associated with significant bleeding. Clinical evaluation guides any specific concerns.

The deep lingual artery may be assessed through CT angiography or conventional angiography of the lingual artery when detailed vascular mapping is needed. In clinical and surgical settings, its position under the ventral tongue mucosa is identified by direct inspection or palpation during oral procedures.