dorsal lingual artery

The dorsal lingual artery is a branch of the lingual artery that supplies blood to the dorsal (upper) surface of the posterior tongue and adjacent structures including the soft palate, palatine tonsils, epiglottis, and palatoglossal arch. It runs along the upper border of the hyoid bone.

The dorsal lingual artery arises from the lingual artery and travels along the superior border of the hyoid bone. It supplies the root and posterior dorsal surface of the tongue, anastomosing with its counterpart from the opposite side to contribute to the rich arterial network of the tongue base.

The dorsal lingual artery delivers oxygenated blood to the posterior portion of the tongue, including the lingual tonsil and vallate papillae, as well as to the soft palate, palatine tonsils, epiglottis, and the mucosa of the palatoglossal arch. It is part of the extensive arterial supply of the tongue and oropharynx.

The dorsal lingual artery and its territory are relevant in the context of tongue base surgery, tonsillectomy, and the vascular supply of oral cavity tumors. Significant bleeding may involve lingual artery branches in tongue or oropharyngeal procedures. Clinical evaluation is required for specific concerns.

The dorsal lingual artery can be visualized through CT angiography or conventional angiography of the external carotid artery system. Doppler ultrasound may also be used. It is directly encountered during surgical procedures in the oral cavity, oropharynx, or tongue base.