Submandibular Gland

The submandibular gland is part of the major salivary glands that aid in the mastication of food, digestion of starches, and swallowing. It is located superior to the digastric muscles (which means two bellies) and are small muscles under the jaw. It is like the parotid gland in that they are both encapsulated with a capsule of tissue. The sublingual gland is not encapsulated, it is spread out within it’s location near the chin and under the tongue.

Major Salivary Glands:

Parotid
Submandibular or Submaxillary
Sublingual

Anterior | Laterally

Submandibular Gland

All these major salivary glands are called exocrine glands meaning they empty their enzymes into ducts. The submandibular gland secretes both serous and mucous enzymes, making it a mixed gland, although its’ primary secretion is serous fluid or serosal fluid. Serosal fluid is a term used to describe the yellowish or clear bodily fluids that have various functions; to provide digestion, to provide excretion, and to provide respiration. They consist of protein and water.

Each submandibular gland is divided into two parts, the superficial lobe and the deep lobe which are separated by the mylohyoid muscle.

Lobes of the Submandibular Gland:

Superficial lobe
Deep lobe

The mylohyoid muscle is flat and triangular and is situated immediately superior to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. It is a paired muscle running from the mandible to the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the mouth. The mylohyoid muscle separates the sublingual space from the submandibular space. The submandibular gland wraps around the edges of the mylohyoid, and is divided into superficial and deep lobes above and below the muscle.

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