submentalis

Submentalis is an anatomical term referring to structures located beneath the chin, within the submental region of the face and neck. The term appears in Latinized form in some older and regional anatomical texts, where it serves as an umbrella for components situated under the mentum.

Anatomical description and contents

The submentalis region is bounded laterally by the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles and inferiorly by the mandible, with the floor formed by the mylohyoid muscles. Its contents commonly include the submental lymph nodes, which form a small group along the facial artery and vein, and superficial venous and arterial elements such as the submental veins and small branches from the facial artery. The mentalis muscle, located at the tip of the chin, is a nearby structure but is not typically described as part of the submentalis content; rather, it belongs to the muscular system of the chin. Sensory innervation of the chin region is provided primarily by branches of the inferior alveolar nerve (mental nerve), which is in proximity to the submental space.

Clinical significance

The submentalis area is relevant in clinical contexts such as infections of the chin and lower lip, dental infections that can involve submental lymph nodes, and surgical procedures including submental incisions for lymph node biopsy or neck dissections. Infections in the submental space can spread to adjacent neck compartments if not treated.

Terminology

In modern usage, the more common term is submental. Submentalis remains a historical or Latinized reference used in some anatomical writings to denote structures beneath the chin. See also submental triangle and submental lymph nodes.