**Core Concept**
The hyoglossus muscle is a posterior intrinsic muscle of the tongue, and its deep structures are critical for understanding the anatomy of the tongue and surrounding areas. The hyoglossus muscle is involved in tongue movements and plays a significant role in speech and swallowing.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the anatomy of the tongue and the muscles surrounding it. The hyoglossus muscle is located deep to the mylohyoid muscle, the genioglossus muscle, and the lingual veins. However, the structure that is not present deep to the hyoglossus muscle is the lingual artery. The lingual artery is a branch of the external carotid artery that supplies blood to the tongue and is located superficial to the hyoglossus muscle.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** This option is not relevant to the anatomy of the hyoglossus muscle and its surrounding structures.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is a structure that is present deep to the hyoglossus muscle and is involved in controlling the movements of the tongue.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the lingual artery is a branch of the external carotid artery and is located superficial to the hyoglossus muscle, making it a critical structure to identify during surgical procedures involving the tongue and surrounding areas.

**Correct Answer:** D. Lingual artery