Question #622
Considering the submandibular gland, which of the following statements is correct?
The submandibular gland is a mixed salivary gland, although it predominantly produces serous saliva.
It is located deep to the inferior margin of the posterior mandible (lying superior and inferior) and wraps around mylohyoid (lying deep and superficial). The component lying between mylohyoid and hyoglossus forms the submandibular duct which extends forwards to open adjacent to the frenulum of the tongue.
The gland receives both parasympathetic and sympathetic innervations.
Secremotor parasympathetic fibres reach the gland from the superior salivatory nucleus carried on the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve. The fibres are then carried on the lingual branch of the mandibular nerve before synapsing at the submandibular ganglion and ultimately innervating the gland.
Vasoconstrictor sympathetic fibres reach the gland from the superior cervical ganglion.
Lymph drainage is to the deep cervical lymph nodes and specifically the jugulo-omohyoid node.
On removal of the submandibular gland there are several nerves at risk: the mandibular branch of the facial nerve lies superificially and is at risk with the initial incision, the hypoglossal nerve lies deep to the gland and the lingual branch of the mandibular nerve passes above the gland.