====== LINGUAL ARTERY ======

  * lingual artery
    * first part 
      * in the carotid triangle 
      * forms a charecteristic upward loop 
        * crossed by hypoglossal nerve 
        * permits free movements of hyoid bone   
    * second part 
      * deep to hyoglossus muscle 
        * along upper border of hyoid bone 
      * superficial to middle constrictor of pharynx
    * third part 
      * arteria profunda linguae or deep lingual artery 
      * runs upwards along anterior border of hyoglossus 
        * horizontally forwards on undersurface of tongue 
          * accompanied by lingual nerve
      * vertical course 
        * it lies between 
          * genioglossus medially 
          * inferior longitudinal muscle of tongue laterally 
    * fourth part 
    * BRANCHES 
      * suprahyoid 
      * dorsal lingual 
      * sublingual 
    * Clinical 
      * surgical removal of tongue
        * first part of artery is ligated before it gives any branch to tongue  



{{:anatomy:lingual_artery.png}}