During excision of a submandibular gland for calculus disease, the surgeon must identify structures within the submandibular triangle to avoid inadvertent injury. Which of the following structures does NOT lie within the submandibular triangle?
- A Submandibular gland
- B Lingual nerve ✓
- C Hypoglossal nerve
- D Facial artery
Correct answer: B. Lingual nerve
Explanation
The submandibular triangle (digastric triangle) contains the submandibular gland, submandibular lymph nodes, the facial artery as it loops over the gland, the hypoglossal nerve running superficial to the hyoglossus, and the submandibular ganglion. The lingual nerve lies superior to the triangle, above the posterior border of mylohyoid, running on the surface of hyoglossus before entering the oral cavity. It is encountered during deeper dissection, not within the triangle proper.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.