Sublingual gland

The sublingual gland (glandula sublingualis) is a seromucous polystomatic exocrine gland. Located underneath the oral diaphragm (diaphragma oris), the sublingual gland is the smallest and most diffuse of the three major salivary glands of the oral cavity, with the other two being the submandibular and parotid. The sublingual gland provides approximately 3-5% of the total salivary volume.^[1][2]

Structure

They lie anterior and superior to the submandibular gland and inferior and lateral to the tongue, as well as beneath the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth. They are bound laterally by the bone of the mandible and inferolaterally by the mylohyoid muscle. The glands can be felt behind each mandibular canine. Placing one index finger within the mouth and the fingertips of the opposite hand outside it, the compressed gland is manually palpated between the inner and outer fingers.^{[clarification needed][3]}

The sublingual gland is constituted by 1 major duct and approximately 20 small excretory ducts, with the latter often being referred to as ducts of Rivinus.

frenulum linguae.

The gland receives its blood supply from the sublingual and submental arteries.[4] Lymph from the sublingual salivary gland drains into the submandibular lymph nodes.^[3]

Nerve supply

The

Development

The sublingual salivary glands appear in the eighth week of prenatal development, two weeks later than the other two major salivary glands. They develop from epithelial buds in the sulcus surrounding the sublingual folds on the floor of the mouth, lateral to the developing submandibular gland. These buds branch and form into cords that canalize to form the sublingual ducts associated with the gland. The rounded terminal ends of the cords form acini.^[1]

Clinical significance

Ranulas are the most common pathologic lesion associated with the sublingual glands.^[5]

Additional images

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  Imaging showing the sublingual glands and surrounding structures.
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  Mandible. Inner surface. Side view.
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  Sublingual gland
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  Sublingual gland
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  Sublingual gland

References