The submandibular (Wharton) duct is about 5 cm long and runs forward from the deep part of the submandibular gland through the floor of the mouth. It opens at the sublingual papilla (caruncle) beside the frenulum of the tongue. On its way the lingual nerve loops beneath it.
| Location | Floor of the mouth, running forward between the mylohyoid, hyoglossus and genioglossus and medial to the sublingual gland, opening at the sublingual papilla beside the lingual frenulum |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
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| Blood Supply | Sublingual artery; Submental artery |
Conveys saliva from the submandibular gland into the floor of the mouth.
The duct's upward course and thick saliva make it the most common site for salivary stones, which can often be felt or removed through the floor of the mouth. The intimate crossing with the lingual nerve means surgeons must identify the nerve to avoid numbness of the tongue. Tongue-tie surgery and floor of mouth procedures must protect the duct openings.
A calculus lodged in the duct causing meal-time swelling and pain of the gland, often palpable under the tongue.
Damage to the lingual nerve, which crosses the duct, causing numbness and taste loss on the front of the tongue.
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