The lingual artery arises from the external carotid between the superior thyroid and facial artery.

It first runs obliquely upward and medialward to the greater cornu of the hyoid bone.

It then curves downward and forward, forming a loop which is crossed by the hypoglossal nerve, and passing beneath the Digastricus and Stylohyoideus it runs horizontally forward, beneath the Hyoglossus, and finally, ascending almost perpendicularly to the tongue, turns forward on its lower surface as far as the tip, under the name of the deep lingual artery (profunda linguae).

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  Diagram showing the origins of the main branches of the carotid arteries.
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  The internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Right side.
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  Coronal section of tongue, showing intrinsic muscles.

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• Branches

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