Submental Artery — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Submental ArteryMFDS Part 1

During elevation of a submental artery island flap, the vascular pedicle is traced proximally. From which artery does the submental artery normally arise?

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Correct answer: A — Facial artery

The correct answer is A, the facial artery. The submental artery normally arises from the cervical part of the facial artery near the submandibular gland and travels anteriorly in the submental region, closely related to the mylohyoid and anterior belly of digastric. It supplies structures including the submental skin, muscles and submandibular region and forms the arterial basis of the submental island flap. The lingual artery gives rise principally to the dorsal lingual, deep lingual and sublingual arteries. The superior thyroid and ascending pharyngeal arteries are separate branches of the external carotid artery, while the maxillary artery supplies deep facial structures and does not normally give rise to the submental artery.

Reference: Ostrowski P et al. Topographic anatomy of the submental artery and its clinical implications for reconstructive surgery. Clinical Anatomy. 2024;37(8):822-833. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37476921/