Anatomy & Histology · single question
The lingual vein drains into which vessel?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The internal jugular vein
- A. The pterygoid venous plexus drains the infratemporal fossa and communicates with the maxillary vein and the cavernous sinus — it is the route implicated in PSA block hematoma, not lingual drainage.
- B. The external jugular drains superficial structures of the scalp and face (posterior auricular and retromandibular contributions) and empties into the subclavian vein.
- C. The subclavian receives the external jugular, not the lingual vein directly.
- D. CORRECT. The lingual vein drains either directly into the INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN or into it via the common facial vein. This is clinically significant because it provides a direct route from the floor of the mouth to the internal jugular and, through valveless communications, to the cavernous sinus — which is why sublingual and submandibular space infections are dangerous.
Note: Deep drainage = internal jugular. Superficial drainage = external jugular.
Practice Anatomy & Histology questions Anatomy & Histology study notes