The submandibular gland (or submaxillary gland in older references) is one of the salivary glands, responsible for producing saliva. It lies inferior to the mylohyoid muscles and superior to the digastric muscle. Parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland is from the salivary nucleus via the chorda tympani (a branch of the facial nerve) with synapses in the submandibular ganglion.

The Submandibular Gland contains two types of cells, serous cell and mucous cells. Of these, the mucous cells are the most active and therefore the major product of the submandibular gland is viscous saliva.

• Serous cells produce salivary amylase which aids in the break down of starches in the mouth.
• Mucous cells secrete mucin which aids in the lubrication of the food bolus as it travels through the oesophagus.

Together these two types of cells secretions make up saliva which is secreted into ducts called Wharton's Ducts. These ducts open into two papillae on either side of the lingual frenulum.

Pathology

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The submandibular gland accounts for 8 out of 10 of all salivary duct calculi, possibly due to the different nature of the saliva that it produces and that its duct is up-sloping.

Digestive system | Mouth

Glandula submandibularis | Ghiandola sottomandibolare