THE HEAD AND NECK 



i^35 



Nerve-supply. — ^The nerves are derived from the submaxillary 

 ganglion, and through this from (i) the chorda tympani, (2) the 

 lingual, and (3) the sympathetic plexus on the facial artery. 



Lymphatics. — ^These pass to the submaxillary l^Tnphatic glands, 

 and thence to the superficial and deep cervical glands. 



^ucture. — The submaxillary gland is a muco-serous gland, and its general 

 structure is similar to that of the parotid gland. The essential difference 

 between the two has reference to the alveoli or acini, and the nature of their 

 secretion. The cells of the parotid alveoli are serous or albuminous. The 

 submaxillary alveoli contain, around the lumen, mucous cells filled with 

 granular mucigen, which is discharged as mucus. They, however, also contain 

 some albuminous cells, known as the marginal cells, which are situated, external 



Steiuen's Duct 



^7— — Ducts of 

 Walther 



Wharton's Duct 



Fig. 464. — The Salivary Glands of the Right Side. 



to the mucous cells, but within the membrana propria of the alveolus. These 

 cells usually form groups which, from their crescentic arrangement, are known 

 as the crescents of Gianuzzi. 



Development. — The submaxillary gland is developed as a solid outgrowth 

 of the buccal epithelium. This outgrowth undergoes ramifications, and 

 these subsequently become hollow. 



Sublingual Gland. — ^This is the smallest of the salivary glands, 

 and resembles an almond in shape. It measures about i^ inches 

 in length, and is situated beneath the mucous membrane of the floor 

 of the mouth, where it gives rise to a mucous fold, called the flica 

 sublingualis. Inferiorly it rests upon the mylo-hyoid muscle 

 (under cover of it), and is here related to the deep part of the sub- 

 maxillary gland, Wharton's duct, and the lingual nerve. Externally 

 it occupies the sublingual fossa on the inner surface of the body of 

 the inferior maxilla above the mylo-hyoid ridge ; and internally 

 it is in contact with the genio-hyo-glossus muscle. Its mesial 



