A comprehensive narrative review of lingual-artery anatomy that combines classic landmarks, common trunk variants, dynamic tongue-related topography, and critical discussion of inconsistencies across the literature.
Dincă V · Calotă RN · Hostiuc S · Tudose RC · Varga I · Rusu MC · doi: 10.1007/s00276-026-03846-6
This microsite condenses the paper into interactive reading paths. Use the buttons below to switch between anatomical logic, key findings, and practical implications.
The lingual artery typically arises from the ECA near the greater horn of the hyoid, yet common trunks are a routine part of its variability.
The most frequent variant, reported in roughly 16–25% of individuals.
Less common, usually around 0.3–3.3%.
An uncommon but established composite trunk, approximately 1%.
Among the numerous landmarks proposed in the literature, the greater horn of the hyoid and the hypoglossal nerve emerge as the most consistently useful.
The LA lies inferior to or contacts the hypoglossal nerve in approximately 85% of cases.
The artery usually runs deep to the hyoglossus, which remains the key surgical barrier.
Trajectory relative to the hyoglossus helps organise course variations.
One of the review’s most clinically relevant messages is dynamic: extension and retraction bring the lingual arteries closer to the mucosal surface and closer to each other.
CTA data suggest tongue extension reduces LA depth at the foramen cecum level by about 4 mm.
Bilateral distance may decrease by roughly 6 mm with tongue extension.
Transoral surgery and haemostasis planning should assume a moving, not fixed, lingual vasculature.