A morphological study on human lingual venous valves

This study deals with the appearance, function and pathophysiological action of the lingual venous valve in the design of surgical tongue flaps and in analyzing inspection of the tongue. Thirty two adult cadavers were studied, of which 7 were corrosive cast specimens. The lingual v. is well supplied with venous valves which may be divided into 3 types morphologically: hemispherical, spherical, and hanging spherical. Venous valves are classified according to their structures: bivalves, monovalves, and venous cristae. The abundant venous valves of the tongue effectively prevent reflux of blood. Various factors that influence venous blood reflux in the head and neck can be observed, analysed and judged by inspection of the tongue; the design of the pedicle and the anastomotic position of tongue flap should comply with the positions and orientations of its venous valves.