The lingual nerve (from V3) passes between the medial pterygoid and the mandibular ramus in the infratemporal fossa, crosses over the submandibular gland deep surface, and then loops under the submandibular (Wharton) duct before ascending to the tongue. In the submandibular triangle the nerve is closely related to the duct: it passes lateral then inferior then medial to the duct in a figure-of-eight relationship, making both structures vulnerable during submandibular gland excision.
The lingual nerve's intimate relationship with the submandibular duct in the submandibular triangle is the key surgical hazard in submandibular gland excision: the nerve must be visualised and protected as the duct is divided. In submandibular space infection drainage, the lingual nerve is at risk if dissection extends too deeply or anteriorly. The lingual nerve is also the nerve most commonly injured in mandibular wisdom tooth extraction, particularly when the nerve is positioned high and lateral in the retromolar area. Inferior alveolar nerve block anaesthesia also anaesthetises the lingual nerve at the pterygomandibular space level.
Submandibular gland excision requires identification and protection of the lingual nerve as it loops around the submandibular duct in the submandibular triangle; inadvertent division produces ipsilateral tongue anaesthesia and taste loss which is permanent, significantly affecting quality of life.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
