SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND

SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND

Morphology

The submandibular gland is a salivary gland located below the mandible. It is a mixed gland, containing both serous and mucous secretions. The gland is divided into two lobes: the larger superficial lobe and the smaller deep lobe.

Blood Supply

The submandibular gland receives its blood supply from the following vessels:

• The facial artery → submandibular artery → lingual and mylohyoid branches
• The lingual artery → sublingual and submandibular branches

Nerve Supply

The submandibular gland is innervated by the following nerves:

• The chorda tympani nerve → submandibular ganglion → submandibular nerve
• The lingual nerve → submandibular nerve

Applied Aspect

The submandibular gland is of clinical importance in the following situations:

• Sialolithiasis: stones in the submandibular gland can cause pain and swelling in the gland.
• Sialadenitis: inflammation of the gland can cause pain, swelling, and fever.
• Submandibular gland tumors: can cause swelling and pain in the gland.
• Submandibular gland surgery: the gland is often involved in surgical procedures for the treatment of various conditions.