Salivary Glands & Submandibular Region

Question 1

Describe the position & function of the submandibular gland and the course of the submandibular duct

Answer 1

Position: along the mandible wrapping around the free posterior border of mylohyoid. (Partly deep and partly superficial)

Function: Mixed (serous & mucus secretions)

Course of Duct: Begin in gland and go to sublingual caruncles at the floor of mouth (approx 5cm in length)

Question 2

Describe the form, position and function of the sublingual gland and of its ducts

Answer 2

Smallest of major salivary glands, almond shape

lies on floor of mouth BETWEEN mandible & hyoglossus

Mostly mucous secretions

Course of Duct: numerous ducts enter oral cavity via openings into crest of sublingual fold

Question 3

What are the nerves for secretomotor (motor secretion action) innervation of the submandibular & sublingual glands

Answer 3

Saliva is produced by the innervation of the CN VII (chorda tympani - branch of facial nerve) & Via the lingual nerve from CN V3

Question 4

What are the anatomical relations of the sublingual gland? (what structures can help identify it)

Answer 4

• Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
• Lingual nerve (CN V3)
• Submandibular duct
• Sublingual gland has no true fascia/fibrous capsule

Question 5

What are the anatomical relations of the submandibular gland? (what structures can help identify it)

Answer 5

Identifying:
- Facial artery
- Anterior belly of digastric muscle
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- Deep fascia capsule covering it

Question 6

Describe the position & innervation of the minor salivary glands

Answer 6

They are found embedded throughout the submucosa of oral cavity:
Labially
bucally
lingually
palatally

Innervated by Facial nerve CN VII & Trigeminal nerve CN V

Question 7

Describe some of the common pathologies associated with the salivary glands

Answer 7

Mumps: Viral infection of salivary glands (most common over parotid), painful swelling on clinical exam

Salivary stones/calculi: Pt can present with pain, swelling & lack saliva. Most common submandibular duct blockage - surgically intervened

Excessive Saliva: Commonly occurs prior to vomiting, can be associated with several disease processes/pathologies

Question 8

What are some of the main contents in the submandibular triangle?

Answer 8

• Submandibular gland
• Lymph nodes
• Parts of hypoglossal nerve
• mylohyoid nerve & parts of facial artery
• Part of digastric muscle

Question 9

What are some of the main contents in the submental triangle?

Answer 9

Submental lymph nodes & some small veins

Question 10

What are some of the main contents in the carotid triangle?

Answer 10

• Carotid sheath (vagus nerve, common carotid artery & its bifurcation into ECA & ICA, IJV)
• Some branches of ECA (Superior thyroid artery, lingual artery… etc)
• Parts of accessory & hypoglossal nerves
• Deep cervical lymph nodes

Question 11

What are all the suprahyoid muscles and what do they do?

Answer 11

Mylohyoid - Connects mandible to hyoid (Elevation)
Digastric muscle - Anterior & Posterior bellys - stabilises hyoid
Stylohyoid - Connects at base of skull to hyoid bone (elevation)
Geniohyoid - connects inferiorly on the mandible to the hyoid (Elevation

Question 12

What are all the infrahyoid muscles & Origin + Insertions and what do they do?

Answer 12

Depression of hyoid bone

Sternohyoid (connects from clavicle to hyoid)
Omohyoid (connects from supraclavicular border to hyoid) Thyrohyoid (oblique line thyroid cartilage to hyoid)

Question 13

What are the branches of the external carotid artery?

Answer 13

• Superior thyroid
• Ascending pharyngeal
• Occipital
• Lingual
• Facial
• Posterior auricular
• Superficial temporal
• Maxillary