Gland
Sublingual gland
Mucus-rich salivary secretion beneath the tongue
High-yield
Small ducts open along the sublingual fold. A larger duct may join the submandibular duct or open separately; the drainage pattern is variable.
Overview
Each sublingual gland lies just under the floor-of-mouth lining, above mylohyoid and medial to the mandible. Its elongated glandular tissue raises the sublingual fold. The secretion is mixed but predominantly mucous and reaches the mouth through several duct openings.
Reference facts
- Location
- Between the mandible and tongue musculature, resting on mylohyoid. The submandibular duct and lingual nerve are closely related medially.
- Hormones
- Exocrine secretion, chiefly mucus-rich saliva; not a classical endocrine hormone source.
- Blood supply
- Sublingual branches of the lingual artery and submental branches of the facial artery.
- Innervation
- Facial parasympathetic fibers travel in chorda tympani and the lingual nerve, synapse in the submandibular ganglion, then reach the gland. Sympathetic fibers come through cervical periarterial pathways.
- Function
- Lubricates the oral floor and contributes to protective saliva, delivered mainly through multiple small ducts.
Clinical correlation
A ranula usually represents leaked mucus forming a pseudocyst, rather than a true epithelial-lined retention cyst. It may remain above mylohyoid or extend into the neck. Sublingual tumors are uncommon, but a persistent mass cannot be assumed to be a ranula.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the sublingual gland located?
Between the mandible and tongue musculature, resting on mylohyoid. The submandibular duct and lingual nerve are closely related medially.
What does the sublingual gland secrete?
Exocrine secretion, chiefly mucus-rich saliva; not a classical endocrine hormone source.
What does the sublingual gland do?
Lubricates the oral floor and contributes to protective saliva, delivered mainly through multiple small ducts.
What is the blood supply of the sublingual gland?
The sublingual gland is supplied by the sublingual branches of the lingual artery and submental branches of the facial artery.