BASIC ANATOMY
The submandibular triangle lies between the inferior border of the mandible superiorly, the posterior belly of the digastric and stylohyoid muscles posteriorly and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle anteriorly (. The submandibular triangle must be distinguished from the submandibular ‘space’. It can be divided into three surgical planes from superficial to deep
The submandibular gland is one of the three major paired salivary glands.For more information, see our guide to the Parotid Gland. It is a mixed salivary gland, with predominantly serous secretion and a smaller mucous component.
.It is located beneath the floor of the mouth, around the posterior part of the mandible.
.The gland is clinically important because its duct is closely related to the lingual nerve, and the gland is a common site of salivary stones (sialolithiasis).
Location
The submandibular gland lies mainly in the submandibular triangle of the neck.
It wraps around the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle, forming:
Superficial part
.The superficial part is larger, while the deep part extends forward into the floor of the mouth.
Parts of the Submandibular Gland
.The superficial part lies below the mylohyoid muscle and is the larger part of the gland.
Deep Part
The deep part lies above the mylohyoid muscle and extends into the floor of the mouth.
The two parts are continuous around the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle
Submandibular Duct
The submandibular duct is also called Wharton’s duct.
It arises from the deep part of the gland and runs forward along the floor of the mouth.
The duct opens at the sublingual papilla, located on either side of the frenulum of the tongue.
Relations of the Submandibular Gland
Important structures related to the gland include:
* Mylohyoid muscle
* Hyoglossus muscle
* Digastric muscle
* Facial artery
* Lingual nerve
* Hypoglossal nerve
The lingual nerve has an important relationship with the submandibular duct.
Lingual Nerve and Submandibular Duct
The lingual nerve is closely related to Wharton’s duct.
A classic anatomical relationship is that the lingual nerve:
Passes lateral to the duct → crosses beneath it → becomes medial to the duct.
This relationship is clinically important during procedures involving the floor of the mouth.
Blood Supply
The submandibular gland receives arterial blood mainly from branches of the:
* Facial artery
* Lingual artery
The facial artery is particularly important in relation to the gland.
Venous Drainage
Venous blood drains mainly through veins accompanying the arterial supply, ultimately reaching the facial and lingual venous systems.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymph from the submandibular gland drains mainly to:
* Submandibular lymph nodes
* Upper deep cervical lymph nodes
Nerve Supply
The submandibular gland receives parasympathetic secretomotor fibers from the facial nerve (CN VII).
Clinical Anatomy
1. Sialolithiasis
Sialolithiasis means formation of a stone within a salivary gland or its duct.
The submandibular gland is the most commonly affected major salivary gland.
Symptoms may include:
* Pain and swelling of the gland
* Pain that becomes worse during meals
* Reduced salivary flow
Why is the Submandibular Gland Commonly Affected?
Several factors contribute, including:
* The duct is relatively long
* The duct runs upward toward its opening
* Submandibular saliva contains relatively more calcium and is more alkaline
2. Submandibular Gland Infection
Infection or inflammation of the gland is called submandibular sialadenitis.
It may cause:
* Painful swelling
* Tenderness
* Difficulty eating
* Reduced salivary flow
3. Wharton’s Duct Injury
Because the duct is closely related to the lingual nerve, procedures in the floor of the mouth may potentially injure either structure.
Injury to the lingual nerve can cause sensory disturbances involving the anterior part of the tongue and may also affect taste because of the chorda tympani fibers traveling with it.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is strictly for educational, study, and exam-preparation purposes. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for clinical decisions.
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