The submandibular ganglion is a small parasympathetic ganglion hanging from the lingual nerve by two short threads, resting on the hyoglossus muscle above the deep part of the submandibular gland. Its preganglionic fibres come from the facial nerve by way of the chorda tympani and lingual nerve. Postganglionic fibres stimulate secretion from the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.
| Origin | Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the superior salivatory nucleus, carried by the nervus intermedius, chorda tympani and lingual nerve |
|---|---|
| Course | Suspended from the lingual nerve on the lateral surface of hyoglossus; postganglionic fibres pass directly to the submandibular gland and rejoin the lingual nerve to reach the sublingual gland |
| Motor |
|
| Sensory |
|
The ganglion is the relay for the facial nerve's control of submandibular and sublingual salivation, so lesions of the facial nerve above the chorda tympani branch reduce saliva from these glands on that side. During submandibular gland excision, the ganglion and its attachment to the lingual nerve are divided, and careless traction can injure the lingual nerve itself. Anticholinergic medicines block the muscarinic receptors on the glands that these postganglionic fibres stimulate, causing dry mouth.
The lingual nerve is pulled down into the operative field by its connection with the submandibular ganglion, and can be cut or stretched while the ganglion branches are divided, causing numbness and loss of taste over the front of the tongue.
Middle ear disease or surgery that damages the chorda tympani removes the preganglionic input to the ganglion, reducing submandibular and sublingual saliva on that side, usually with altered taste.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
