Anatomic characteristics and relationship of the lingual artery and the hypoglossal nerve

Abstract

Problem: To investigate the anatomic characteristics of the lingual artery and the hypoglossal nerve as well as the relationship between the 2 in the tongue base so to provide clinical data and increase the safety of operations on the tongue base. Methods: Twenty extraoral dissections of the submandibular region were performed on 10 human cadavers. The origin and distribution of the lingual artery and the hypoglossal nerve were observed as follows. (1) The lingual artery was divided into 4 segments, whose length and adjacent organs were observed and measured. (2) The length and adjacent organs of the hypoglossal nerve were observed and measured. (3) The anatomic relationship between the lingual artery and the hypoglossal nerve was observed and measured. Results: The whole length of the lingual artery was 9.73 ± 0.83 cm. At points of the foramen cecum of the tongue, 1 cm prior to foramen cecum 1 cm behind foramen cecum, the distances from the surface of the tongue to the lingual artery were 2.32 ± 0.22 cm, 2.37 ± 0.191 cm, and 2.41 ± 0.26 cm, respectively, while the distances from the surface of the tongue to the hypoglossal nerve were 2.28 ± 0.14 cm, 2.36 ± 0.16 cm, and 2.34 ± 0.21 cm, separately. The distance between the foramen cecum and the lateral tongue, between the lingual artery and the lateral edge, midline of the tongue were 2.09 ± 0.20 cm, 1.10 ± 0.09 cm, and 0.92 ± 0.17 cm, while the distances from the hypoglossal nerve to the hyoid, the lateral tongue, and the inner mandible were 1.25 ± 0.42 cm, 1.86 ± 0.32 cm, and 2.64 ± 0.28 cm, respectively. Conclusion: This inferior inner location shape allows the potential for aggressive tongue base resection without neurovascular bundle compromise. This can ensure the safety of the operation, if the depth and angule of the radiofrequency tongue base reduction for OSAHS are exactly controlled. Significance: This study can provide beneficial reference for tongue base operations and ensure the safety of the operation if the depth and angle of the radiofrequency tongue base reduction for OSAHS are exactly controlled. Support: None reported.