Definition

1. Noun:
   • A branch of the external carotid artery: The lingual artery is a specific blood vessel that arises from the external carotid artery in the neck.
   • Supplier of blood to the tongue and surrounding structures: Its primary function is to deliver oxygenated blood to the underside (and other parts) of the tongue, as well as to adjacent muscles and glands.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During the dissection, the students carefully identified the lingual artery.
  • A blockage in the lingual artery can impair tongue function and sensation.
  • The surgeon carefully avoided the lingual artery while performing the procedure on the floor of the mouth.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Medical Context: The term is almost exclusively used in anatomical, dental, and surgical contexts.
  • The course of the lingual artery must be considered when planning reconstructive surgery for oral cancers.

Variants and Related Words

• Lingual (adj): Pertaining to the tongue.
  • Lingual papillae are the small bumps on the surface of the tongue.
• Artery (n): A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
• External carotid artery (n): The major artery from which the lingual artery branches.

Synonyms

• Arteria lingualis: This is the official Latin (anatomical) term for the lingual artery.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Vascular supply of the tongue: This phrase describes the entire system of arteries and veins supplying the tongue, of which the lingual artery is a key component.
• Floor of the mouth: The anatomical region where the lingual artery is prominently located.

Noun

1. an artery originating from the external carotid artery and supplying the under side of the tongue