Submandibular gland

The submandibular gland (also known as submaxillary gland, latin: glandula submandibularis) is a paired seromucous salivary gland localized in the submandibular region beneath the floor of the mouth.

The submandibular glands are located next to the mandible and the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle. The duct of the submandibular gland curves around the mylohyoid muscle, passes medially across the diaphragm of the oral cavity, and opens on the undersurface of the tongue, on the sublingual caruncle.

The secretomotor functions of the submandibular gland is controlled by innervation of postganglionic parasympathetic fibers arising from the submandibular ganglion. The sympathetic nervous system also controls the functions of the submandibular gland indirectly through vasoconstriction of the blood vessels supplying the gland.