SUBMAXILLARY REGION 195 



the submaxillary gland and the lingual nerve are prolonged 

 forwards, medial to the sublingual gland. 



Numerous small ducts (the number varying from eight 

 to twenty) proceed from the sublingual gland. As a rule, 

 they open into the mouth on the summit of the plica sub- 

 lingualis (Birmingham). 



Nervus Lingualis. In the dissection of the infratemporal 

 region, the lingual nerve was seen passing downwards between 

 the ramus of the mandible and the internal pterygoid muscle. 

 As it descends, it inclines forwards, and, after passing 

 over the attachment of the superior constrictor muscle of 

 the pharynx to the posterior end of the mylo-hyoid line, it 

 lies below and posterior to the last molar tooth (Fig. 68), 

 between the mucous membrane of the mouth and the body of 

 the mandible. At that point it is in danger of being hurt 

 by the clumsy extraction of one of the lower molars, and 

 there also it may be divided by the surgeon, from the inside 

 of the mouth. In its further course the nerve keeps close 

 to the side of the tongue, crossing the styloglossus and the 

 upper part of the hyoglossus, and, beyond that, the sub- 

 maxillary duct. Its terminal branches are placed immedi- 

 ately under cover of the mucous membrane of the mouth, 

 and it can be traced as far as the tip of the tongue. 



The branches which proceed from the lingual nerve in the 

 submaxillary region are of two kinds (i) twigs of com- 

 munication ; (2) branches of distribution. 



( i. Two or more to the submaxillary ganglion. 

 Twigs of I 2. One or two which descend along the anterior 

 Communication, j border of the hyoglossus muscle to unite with 



\ the hypoglossal nerve. 



D ^ ( l ' Slender filaments to the mucous membrane of the 



c * mouth and gums. 



TV , ?i ,. 1 2. A few twigs to the sublingual gland. 

 Distribution. [ ^ E ^nches to the tongue. 



The lingual branches pierce the substance of the tongue, 

 and then incline upwards to supply the papillated mucous 

 membrane over the anterior two-thirds of the organ. 



Ganglion Submaxillare. The small submaxillary ganglion 

 lies upon the upper part of the hyoglossus muscle, in the interval 

 between the lingual nerve and the deep part of the sub- 

 maxillary gland. In size, it is not larger than the head of a 

 large pin; and, when freed from the connective tissue surround- 

 ing, it will be seen to be suspended from the lingual nerve 



