Question

MC nerve injured during Submandibular gland surgery. 

• A. Lingual nerve
• B. Inferior alveolar nerve
• C. Hypoglossal nerve
• D. Nerve to mylohyoid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

During a surgical procedure involving the submandibular gland, the nerve most commonly injured is the Lingual nerve.

The Lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3), which is part of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Its proximity to the submandibular gland makes it susceptible to injury during surgery. The lingual nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, making its function critical for sensory perception such as taste and sensation.

In contrast:

• Inferior alveolar nerve: Primarily responsible for sensory innervation to the lower teeth.
• Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): Controls tongue movement and is not commonly affected during submandibular surgeries.
• Nerve to mylohyoid: Provides motor innervation to the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, with a different anatomical course.

The anatomical course and close association with the submandibular gland and duct make the lingual nerve more susceptible to iatrogenic injury during surgical procedures in this area.