Study of variations in Lingual and Facial arteries

Abstract

Background: More of specialized branches of science are developing as year passes by. One such branch of science is in-utero & neonatal surgeries. In view of correcting the minor defects & avoiding major congenital anomalies the study of Head & Neck arterial system in fetus was taken. Objective: To find the variations in origin & course of lingual & facial arteries which supply blood to tongue, face & neck. Methods: 100 dead fetuses of 20 weeks to full-term gestational age were collected from Government Hospital, Hanumakonda, and Chandakanthaiah Memorial Hospital, Warangal. 20 cc to 100 cc of 10% formalin was injected into abdomen, thorax, cranium through orbits for preservation. All the fetuses were immersed in a container filled with fixative solution. In the present study 200 lingual and facial arteries were observed considering both the sides. Results: Among the II trimester group those 5 arising above greater cornu were the Linguo-facial trunk. Among the III trimester group those 2 arising above greater cornu were the Linguo-facial trunk. Conclusion: In present study the linguo-facial trunk was observed unilaterally in 5 of second trimester and in 2 of third trimester group of fetuses.

Keywords

• lingual artery
• facial artery
• fetus