Submandibular gland

The submandibular gland (or submaxillary gland in older references) is one of the salivary glands, responsible for producing saliva. It lies inferior to the mylohyoid muscles and superior to the digastric muscle. Parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland is from the salivary nucleus via the facial nerve with synapses in the submandibular ganglion.

The Submandibular Gland contians two types of cells, serous cell and mucous cells. Serous cells produce salivary amylase which aids in the break down of starchs in the mouth. Mucous cells secrete mucin which aids in the lubrication of the food bolus as it travels throught esophogus. Together these two types of cells secretions make up saliva which is ecreted into ducts called 'Warton's Ducts'. These ducts open into two papillae on either side of the lingual frenulum.

The submandibular gland accounts for 8 out of 10 of all salivary duct calculi, possibly due to the different nature of the saliva that it produces and that it's duct is up-sloping.

Unterkieferspeicheldrüse Ghiandola sottomandibolare