ANATOMIC LOCATION OF THE TONGUE BASE NEUROVASCULAR BUNDLE

Knowledge of the location of the hypoglossal/lingual artery neurovascu lar bundle (HLNVB) is essential in performing tongue base resections f or neoplasm and for obstructive sleep apnea. Transoral and transcervic al resections of the tongue base may be performed with greater exposur e and certainty when the relationship of the HLNVB to local landmarks is understood; knowledge of the HLNVB allows resection of a larger amo unt of contralateral tongue base during partial glossectomy without vi olating the contralateral remnant tongue's blood supply. Ten cadaver h eads were dissected to determine the position of the HLNVB with respec t to soft tissue and bony landmarks at the tongue base. Our results in dicate the position of the tongue base HLNVB is significantly inferior and lateral, that is, 2.7 cm inferior and 1.6 cm lateral to the foram en cecum, 0.9 cm superior to the hyoid bone, and 2.2 cm medial to the mandible. This inferolateral location allows the potential for aggress ive tongue base resection without neurovascular compromise.