The submandibular gland is the second largest salivary gland. It is a mixed (seromucous) major salivary gland that lies in the submandibular neck triangle below the muscles forming the floor of the oral cavity. Part of it is positioned in the submandibular fossa of the mandible found on the internal surface of its body.

Each submandibular gland weighs around 0.35 ounces (10 grams) and appears irregular, elongated, a bit flattened and roughly has the shape of the letter "U" (horseshoe-shaped). Overall, these glands are limited by the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle and the lower border of the mandibular body.

Without the stimulation of the parotid gland, the submandibular gland can produce around 70% of the daily saliva. However, when the parotid gland receives stimuli, the submandibular gland produces only about 10 - 30% of daily saliva.

Like the parotid gland, the submandibular gland is also surrounded by a capsule formed by the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia.

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Submandibular gland