Clinical Anatomy of the lingual nerve: a review

Publication date: Available online 18 January 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Somsak Sittitavornwong, Michael Babston, Douglas Denson, Steven Zehren, Jonathan Friend
PurposeKnowledge of lingual nerve anatomy is of paramount importance to dental practitioners and maxillofacial surgeons. The purpose of this article is to review lingual nerve anatomy from the cranial base to its insertion in the tongue, so as to provide a more detailed explanation of its course in order to prevent procedural nerve injuries.Materials and MethodsFifteen human cadavers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine's Anatomical Donor Program were reviewed. The anatomical structures and landmarks were identified and confirmed by anatomists. Lingual nerve dissection was carried out and reviewed on fifteen halved human cadaver skulls, twenty-eight total specimens.ResultsCadaveric dissection provides a detailed examination of the lingual nerve from the cranial base to tongue insertion. The lingual nerve receives the chorda tympani nerve about 1 cm in distance below the bifurcation of the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves. The pathway of the lingual nerve is in contact with the periosteum of the mandible just behind the internal oblique ridge. The lingual nerve crosses the submandibular duct at the interproximal space between the mandibular first and second molars. The submandibular ganglion is suspended from the lingual nerve at the distal area of the second mandibular molar.ConclusionA zoning classification is another way to more accurately describe the lingual nerve based on close anatomical landmarks as seen in human cadaveric specimens. This system may identify particular areas of interest that may be at greater procedural risk.



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