Saliva from the submandibular gland reaches the oral cavity via the submandibular duct, which is the central excretory duct of the gland. It is also known as Wharton's duct and is only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long.

The submandibular duct arises within the gland behind the posterior aspect of the mylohyoid muscle (Read more!). It travels upward, curves around the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle and further continues to go in the anterior direction above the muscle of the oral diaphragm. The submandibular duct emerges from the anterior aspect of the deep lobe.

At first, it goes between the hyoglossus muscle and mylohyoid muscle but later passes between the genioglossus muscle and the sublingual gland (Read more!). When it reaches the anterior aspect of the oral cavity floor, it pierces the oral mucosa and drains into the oral cavity proper via a small papilla called the sublingual caruncle. The sublingual caruncle is found adjacent to the lingual frenulum on either side of the oral cavity floor.

It is important to add that the submandibular duct is crossed by the lingual nerve (Read more!) of the mandibular nerve (CN V3) on the way to the papilla.

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Submandibular duct (Wharton's duct)