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Submandibular Gland

The submandibular gland is the second of the three major salivary glands, after the parotid and before the sublingual gland. It is situated both superiorly and inferiorly to the posterior aspect of the mandible in the submandibular triangle of the neck and makes up part of the floor of the oral cavity.

Contents
  1. Borders
  2. Histology
  3. Blood Supply
  4. Innervation
  5. Sialoliths
  6. Related Atlas Images

Submandibular gland

Submandibular gland

Borders

The mylohyoid muscle runs through the lobules of the gland and sections it off into superficial and deep parts. The superficial portion of the submandibular gland can be seen in the submandibular triangle of the neck and is covered by the investing layer of deep cervical fascia. The deep portion of the submandibular gland is that which limits the inferior aspect of the oral cavity. It lies between the hyoglossus muscle and the mandible. It ends at the posterior border of the sublingual gland.

Mylohyoid muscle

Mylohyoid muscle

Histology

This glandular mass is responsible for the production of 70% of the over salivary output. It secretes both serous and mucinous saliva, although the majority of it is serous, with a 3:2 ratio in it’s favor.

Submandibular gland - histological slide

Submandibular gland - histological slide

It’s duct, which connects the gland with the oral cavity proper is known as Wharton’s duct and opens at the lingual papilla, which can be found on either side of the lingual frenulum. It runs along the gland and is approximately four centimeters in length and between two and four millimeters wide.

Submandibular duct

Submandibular duct

Blood Supply

The facial and lingual arteries contribute to the blood supply of the submandibular gland and in turn their venous drainage is provided by the corresponding veins.

Facial artery

Facial artery

Innervation

The secretory mechanism of the submandibular gland is regulated directly by the parasympathetic nervous system by which it is stimulated, and indirectly by the sympathetic nervous system by which it is inhibited. These exact fibers include presynaptic fibers from the facial nerve (CN VII) via the chorda tympani to the submandibular ganglion and postsynaptic fibers from cells in the submandibular ganglion that together make up the parasympathetic secretomotor fibers. The vasoconstrictive sympathetic fibers stir from the superior cervical ganglion.

Submandibular ganglion - lateral-left view

Submandibular ganglion - lateral-left view

Sialoliths

Sialoliths, otherwise more simply known as salivary stones can occur in all of the major salivary glands, but can be seen most frequently in the submandibular gland. Since this is the gland that provides the majority of the salivary product, it stands to reason that the salivary contents are most likely to accumulate within it or its duct if there is an imbalance in the contents or a disruption of the saliva flow.

If a stone lodges itself in the salivary duct it can partially or completely occlude the tube, which causes the glands to become painfully congested and swollen. Ultrasonic means are the best way to diagnose a salivary stone and they are easily removed surgically either intra or extra orally. If this phenomenon reoccurs frequently, the gland will be removed and pseudo saliva is prescribed.

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Show references

References:

  • Neil S. Norton, Ph.D. and Frank H. Netter, MD, Netter’s Head and Neck Anatomy for Dentistry, 2nd Edition, Elsevier Saunders, Chapter 13 Oral Cavity, Page 366 to 371.
  • A. Yoskovitch, MD, MSc: Submandibular Sialadenitis/Sialadenosis. WebMD LLC. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/882358-overview.
  • Frank H. Netter, MD, Atlas of Human Anatomy, Fifth Edition, Saunders - Elsevier, Chapter 1 Head and Neck, Subchapter 6 Oral Region, Guide Head and Neck: Oral Region - Salivary Glands, Page 35 and 36.
  • R. Hicks, MD: Salivary gland problems. WebMD LLC.

Author:

  • Dr. Alexandra Sieroslawska

Illustrators:         

  • Submandibular gland - Paul Kim
  • Mylohyoid muscle - Paul Kim
  • Submandibular gland - histological slide - Smart In Media
  • Submandibular duct - Smart In Media
  • Facial artery - Paul Kim
  • Submandibular ganglion - lateral-left view - Paul Kim
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Related Atlas Images

Salivary glands

{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Salivary glands
right lateral view
Superficial temporal artery (Arteria temporalis superficialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Submandibular duct (Ductus submandibularis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sublingual fold (Plica sublingualis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sublingual vein (Vena sublingualis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sublingual gland (Glandula sublingualis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sublingual caruncle (Caruncula sublingualis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Anterior and posterior divisions of retromandibular vein (Ramus anterior et posterior Venae retromandibularis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Posterior division of retromandibular vein (Ramus posterior venae retromandibularis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Posterior auricular vein (Vena auricularis posterior); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Posterior belly of digastric muscle (Venter posterior musculus digastrici); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Parotid duct (Ductus parotideus); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Hyoid bone (Os hyoideum); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Frenulum of the tongue (frenulum linguae); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Common facial vein (Vena facialis communis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Anterior division of retromandibular vein (Ramus anterior venae retromandibularis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Anterior belly of digastric muscle (Venter anterior musculus digastrici); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sublingual artery (Arteria sublingualis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Zygomatic branches of facial nerve (Rami zygomatici nervi facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Transverse facial artery (Arteria transversa faciei); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Tongue (Lingua); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Temporalis muscle (Musculus temporalis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Temporal branches of facial nerve (Rami temporales nervi facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Superficial temporal vein (Vena temporalis superficialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Superficial temporal artery (Arteria temporalis superficialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Submandibular gland (Glandula submandibularis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Digastric muscle (Musculus digastricus); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sublingual artery (Arteria sublingualis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Stylohyoid muscle (Musculus stylohyoideus); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Sternocleidomastoid muscle (Musculus sternocleidomastoideus); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Parotid gland (Glandula parotidea); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Mylohyoid muscle (Musculus mylohyoideus); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Masseter muscle (Musculus masseter); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve (Ramus marginalis mandibulae nervi facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Internal jugular vein (Vena jugularis interna); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Facial vein (Vena facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Facial nerve (Nervus facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Facial artery (Arteria facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
External jugular vein (Vena jugularis externa); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
External carotid artery (Arteria carotis externa); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Cervical branch of facial nerve (Ramus colli nervi facialis); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Buccinator muscle (Musculus buccinator); Image: Paul Kim
right lateral view
Buccal branches of facial nerve (Rami buccales nervi facialis); Image: Paul Kim

Intraepithelial glands

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Goblet cell; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Urethral glands (Glandulae paraurethrales); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Submandibular gland (Glandula submandibularis); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Compound tubuloalveolar mixed salivary gland; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Serous glands; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Mucous glands; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Serous demilunes; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Mucous acinar cells; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Serous acinar cells; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Mixed seromucous glands; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Intercalated ducts; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Striated ducts; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Myoepithelial cells (Myoepitheliocytus); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Interlobular duct; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Parotid gland (Glandula parotidea); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Secretory granules; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Sweat gland (Glandula sudorifera); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Sebaceous glands; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Sebaceous gland cell; Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Hair follicle (Folliculus pili); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Hair shaft (Scapus pili); Image:
{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Arrector pili muscle (Musculus arrector pili); Image:

Digestive system

{:ventral=>"ventral view", :anterior=>"anterior view", :medial=>"medial view", :"lateral-right"=>"right lateral view", :"lateral-left"=>"left lateral view", :dorsal=>"dorsal view", :cranial=>"cranial view", :caudal=>"caudal view", :posterior=>"posterior view", :superior=>"superior view", :inferior=>"inferior view", :axial=>"axial view", :coronal=>"coronal view", :sagittal=>"sagittal view"}
Digestive system
anterior view
Anal canal (Canalis analis); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Anus; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Vermiform appendix (Appendix vermiformis); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Ascending colon (Colon ascendens); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Body of tongue (Corpus linguae); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Cecum (Caecum); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Descending colon (Colon descendens); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Duodenum; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Ileum; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Jejunum; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Laryngopharynx (Pars laryngea pharyngis); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Pharynx; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Liver (Hepar); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Esophagus (Oesophagus); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Oral cavity proper (Cavitas oris propria); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Oropharynx (Pars oralis pharyngis); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
medial view
Palatine tonsil (Tonsilla palatina); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Pancreas; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Rectum; Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Root of tongue (Radix linguae); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Sigmoid colon (Colon sigmoideum); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Stomach (Gaster); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Sublingual gland (Glandula sublingualis); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
left lateral view
Submandibular gland (Glandula submandibularis); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Transverse colon (Colon transversum); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Small intestine (Intestinum tenue); Image: Begoña Rodriguez
anterior view
Large intestine (Intestinum crassum); Image: Begoña Rodriguez

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