

THE MOUTH 



1135 



Submaxillary Gland (glandula submaxillaris). The submaxillary gland (Fig. 

 1024) is irregular in form and about the size of a walnut. A considerable part of 

 it is situated in the submaxillary triangle, reaching forward to the anterior belly 

 of the Digastricus and backward to the stylomandibular ligament, which inter- 

 venes between it and the parotid gland. Above, it extends under cover of the 

 body of the mandible; below, it usually overlaps the intermediate tendon of 

 the Digastricus and the insertion of the Stylohyoideus, while from its deep surface 

 a tongue-like deep process extends forward above the Mylohyoideus muscle. 



Its superficial surface consists of an upper and a lower part. The upper part 

 is directed outward, and lies partly against the 'submaxillary depression on the 

 inner surface of the body of the mandible, and partly on the Pterygoideus internus. 

 The lower part is directed downward and outward, and is covered by the skin, 

 superficial fascia, Platysma, and deep cervical fascia; it is crossed by the anterior 

 facial vein and by filaments of the facial nerve ; in contact with it, near the mandible, 

 are the submaxillary lymph glands. 



Opening of parotid 



duct 

 Submaxillary duct 





Anterior facial vein 



FIG. 1024. Dissection, showing salivary glands of right side. 



The deep surface is in relation with the Mylohyoideus, Hyoglossus, Styloglossus, 

 Stylohyoideus, and posterior belly of the Digastricus; in contact with it are the 

 mylohyoid nerve and the mylohyoid and submental vessels. 



The external maxillary artery is imbedded in a groove in the posterior border 

 of the gland. 



The deep process of the gland extends forward between the Mylohyoideus 

 below and externally, and the Hyoglossus and Styloglossus internally; above 

 it is the lingual nerve and submaxillary ganglion; below it the hypoglossal nerve 

 and its accompanying vein. 



The submaxillary duct (ductus submaxillaris; Wharton's duct) is about 5 cm. long, 

 and its wall is much thinner than that of the parotid duct. It begins by numerous 



