ABSTRACT
The micro-vascular architecture of the mucosa and submucosa of human tongue was studied under the surgical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The long branches of the profunda lingual arteries and the terminal branches of the dorsal lingual arteries anastomose into a thick layer of arterial network, under the mucosa and over the superficial muscle of the whole body and root of the tongue. Arteriolae spring from the submucosal arterial network, which get into the mucosa to form the capillary network of mucosa and the 9apillary plexuses of variant papillae.The relationship between the architecture of the lingual submucosal arterial network and the design of flaps, and the clinical significance of tongue diagnostic signs has been discussed.
