The submental artery is a small artery that originates from the facial artery. The submental artery supplies blood to the facial muscles and is partly responsible for brain function by connecting with larger arteries that drain into the brain.
What is the submental artery?
Arteries are generally vital blood vessels through which blood flows to organs. The submental artery is a branch of the facial artery, which joins the external carotid artery. The submental artery (artery under the chin) is located close to the mandibular bone and provides blood flow and function to it. This artery is naturally present in the body of every human being and is not formed by vascular neoplasms as a result of any particular disease.
Anatomy and structure
Because the submental artery is not an independent organ or blood vessel, but only a part of a larger artery (facial artery), it is necessary to refer to the artery of origin when seeking anatomic definition. The submental artery is located on the mandibular bone. The mandibular bone is a part of the cranial bone. The submental artery has two branches (ramus superficalis and ramus profundus) through which it branches. The wall of an artery consists of three layers. The inner layer is the tunica intima, which consists of endothelium (a certain type of flat cells), as well as connective tissue. The outer layer consists of connective tissue. Between the two lies the middle layer of muscle. An elastic membrane still ensures the pliability of the artery. The facial artery is connected in an oblique direction upward toward the brain with the external carotid artery, which in turn opens into the cerebral artery.
Function and Tasks
The submental artery supplies blood to the mandible, contributing to the function of the masseter muscles, and thus to the first step of food intake and digestion. The mandible is the part of the jaw that moves during chewing through the interaction of the four masseter muscles. Arteries are blood vessels that supply oxygen to the organs through blood flow, keeping them alive. With every heartbeat, blood reaches the organs and tissues through the arteries. Through the arteries, organs are also connected to surrounding muscles and nerves, or are jointly supplied with oxygen. Arteries (arteries) carry blood away from the heart to ensure the function of the cardiovascular system. Since the submental artery also leads to the cerebral arteries, in this respect the submental artery also provides blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Arteries also play a key role in immune defense, as the antibody cells that render pathogens harmless are transported via the bloodstream. Toxins absorbed through the air we breathe or through food are disposed of by being transported from the corresponding organ to the liver. The healing substances of food and medicines are also absorbed into the body through the arteries. A healthy and uniform arterial pressure ensures sufficient speed in blood flow. All arteries, and therefore their branches, are involved in this process.
Diseases
Here, too, it is necessary to mention the diseases that generally proceed from damage to an artery, since the function of the submental artery is no different from that of other arteries. As with any artery, the submental artery is at risk of calcification over the course of life. Likewise, thrombosis can also occur in it. If the submental artery is calcified, the carotid artery may also be calcified. If blood clots (thromboses) are not treated, they can cause blood vessel occlusion, as with any other artery. Depending on the severity of the failure of the surrounding nerves, this can lead to mild sensory disturbances or even paralysis of the facial muscles or to strokes. Strokes, in turn, can cause permanent brain damage, restricted movement or even death. Vascular damage in the brain can also cause certain forms of dementia. Cells from metastatic cancers can also be transported to other organs via the arteries. The same risk factors for narrowing apply as for other arteries, such as smoking, high blood pressure, lipid metabolism disorders, diabetes or age.The above-mentioned diseases can also result in damage to the blood vessels. In the case of thrombosis, the inflammation of the arterial wall can cause pain and tears in the affected area of the body. Sometimes medications can also be the cause of arteriosclerosis. In general, narrowing of large arteries (e.g. the carotid artery) can be detected by ultrasound. A healthy diet and a sufficient amount of exercise can prevent vasoconstriction. Optimal control of high blood pressure and blood glucose levels in diabetes are important in protecting the arteries. Sometimes blood thinners are also necessary to prevent clumping of the blood and thus the formation of thromboses in the arteries. If narrowing has already occurred, it usually cannot be reversed and will not improve on its own. In some cases, a stent is inserted into the narrowed blood vessel as a temporary solution to widen it. The progression of the aging process and an estimate of a person’s remaining life expectancy can be seen by the condition of his or her blood vessels.
