AN34.1-3 | Submandibular region — Glossary

J-shaped mixed salivary gland wrapping around the posterior border of mylohyoid, producing approximately 70% of resting salivary volume

Submandibular duct (5 cm long) running upward and forward to open at the sublingual papilla beside the frenulum of the tongue

Principal muscle forming the floor of the mouth; acts as a muscular diaphragm separating the sublingual space above from the submandibular space below

Small elevation in the floor of the mouth beside the frenulum of the tongue where Wharton's duct opens

Branch of CN V3 carrying general sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue; crosses Wharton's duct twice in the floor of the mouth

Pure motor nerve running on the hyoglossus deep to mylohyoid; supplies all tongue muscles except palatoglossus

Parasympathetic ganglion suspended from the lingual nerve relaying CN VII fibres (via chorda tympani) to the submandibular and sublingual glands

Branch of CN VII carrying taste fibres from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic fibres to the submandibular ganglion

Formation of calculi (stones) in salivary glands or ducts; 80% occur in the submandibular gland due to its anatomical predisposition

Rapidly spreading cellulitis of the floor of the mouth involving the sublingual and bilateral submandibular spaces, causing airway obstruction

Extrinsic tongue muscle from the hyoid to the side of the tongue; a key landmark with the lingual artery passing deep to it and CN XII superficial to it

Branch of the external carotid artery passing deep to hyoglossus to supply the tongue via dorsal lingual, sublingual, and deep lingual branches

Branch of the ECA that grooves the submandibular gland posteriorly before crossing the mandible at the anterior border of masseter

Smallest major salivary gland lying in the sublingual space; predominantly mucous; opens via multiple small ducts of Rivinus

Retention cyst of the sublingual gland presenting as a translucent blue-tinged swelling in the floor of the mouth

Parotid duct opening into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the upper second molar tooth

Space above the mylohyoid containing the sublingual gland, deep part of submandibular gland, and Wharton's duct

Space below the mylohyoid containing the superficial part of the submandibular gland and submandibular lymph nodes

Branch of CN VII at risk during submandibular gland excision; runs along the lower border of the mandible

Clinical examination technique using one finger inside the mouth and another below the jaw to assess submandibular gland and duct stones

Largest extrinsic tongue muscle from the mental spine of the mandible; primary protrusor of the tongue; supplied by CN XII