Hyoglossus

Hyoglossus

Question 1. Enumerate the structures passing deep to the posterior border of the hyoglossus.
Answer.

From above to downwards, these are as follows:

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 9)
• Stylohyoid ligament
• Lingu

Question 2. Write briefly about the sublingual gland.

Answer.

• It is a small, almond-shaped salivary gland located on the floor of the mouth on the mylohyoid muscle underneath the oral mucosa.
• It weighs about 3–4 g.
• About 15–20 ducts emerge from the gland (ducts of Rivinus) and open directly into the floor of the mouth on the sublingual fold.
• Its nerve supply is similar to that of the submandibular gland.

Sublingual Gland Applied Anatomy The cystic degeneration of the sublingual gland forms a swelling, which resembles the belly of a frog; hence, it is called a ranula.