Dissection, showing salivary glands of right side. (Labeled as "submaxillary duct", but is identified as "submandibular duct" in newer sources.)
Mandibular division of trifacial nerve, seen from the middle line. The small figure is an enlarged view of the otic ganglion. ("Wharton's duct" labeled in lower left.)
Picture of the mouth showing the sublingual caruncle and related anatomical structures
The submandibular duct arises from deep part of submandibular gland, a salivary gland. It begins by numerous branches from the superficial surface of the gland, and runs forward between the mylohyoid, hyoglossus, and genioglossusmuscles. It then passes between the sublingual gland and the genioglossus and opens by a narrow opening on the summit of a small papilla (the "sublingual caruncle") at the side of the frenulum of the tongue. It lies superior to lingual and hypoglossal nerves.
Variation
The submandibular duct may be duplicated on one side or both sides, creating an accessory submandibular duct.[1][2] Rarely, it may not perforate into the mouth.[1]
The submandibular duct may be affected by stones, known as sialolithiasis.[4] These may grow large, requiring surgery to remove.[4] Simple palpation may be used to identify the location of any stones before surgery.[4]
The exit of the submandibular gland into the mouth may be realigned in patients who drool.[5] This redirects the exiting saliva away from the vestibule and the lips.[5] This surgery has a fairly high success rate.[5] Rarely, the submandibular gland may need to be removed on one or both sides.[5]
History
The submandibular duct was initially described by the EnglishanatomistThomas Wharton ( 1614-73) and is sometimes referred to by his name.[6]
