A branch of the lingual artery, with distribution to the extrinsic muscles of the tongue, the sublingual gland, and the mucosa of the region, and with anastomoses to the artery of the opposite side and the submental artery. The sublingual artery arises at the anterior margin of the hyoglossus and runs forward between the genioglossus and mylohyoideus to the sublingual gland. It supplies the gland and gives branches to the mylohyoideus and neighboring muscles, as well as to the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth and lingual gingiva.