Submandibular Gland Excisions Surgery

Understanding the Anatomy of Submandibular Gland and Ranula

Submandibular Gland

The submandibular gland is among the three major salivary glands, next to the sublingual and parotid glands, and it has an important role in the production and release of saliva, which is essential for digestion and maintenance of oral health. Its anatomy is characterized by several noteworthy features:

• Location: Situated below the tongue beneath the floor of the mouth it sits in the submandibular triangle which is a space defined by the mandible. It resides in the oral cavity beneath the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth, with only a small portion of the gland lying outside the oral cavity.
• Duct: The submandibular gland secretes saliva into the mouth through Wharton's duct, which opens into the sublingual caruncle near the base of the tongue.
• Nerve supply: The secretion of saliva by the submandibular gland is regulated by its autonomic nerve supply. Parasympathetic stimulation increases its secretion.
• Vascular Supply: It is supplied with blood by branches of the lingual and facial arteries, and blood from it is drained by the lingual and facial veins.

Ranula

A ranula is a specific type of mucocele, also known as a mucous cyst, that develops on the floor of the mouth.  It typically arises from the sublingual gland, a minor salivary gland, or the duct of the submandibular gland.  Important characteristics include:

• Location: Ranulas are located on the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue. They can be very small or unnoticeable to large or prominent cysts. 
• Composition: Ranulas are filled with mucus, which is a thick gelatinous substance produced by the salivary glands.
• Cause: An obstruction in a salivary gland duct can lead to the development of ranulas. This blockage might be caused by salivary stones, trauma, infection, or sialoliths obstructing the duct.
• Types of ranulas: There are two significant types of ranulas present in a person. The simple ranula is limited to the floor of the mouth. Meanwhile, the plunging ranula is accompanied by a swelling that can be seen by eyes on the exterior of the neck; it penetrates the mylohyoid muscle so it can extend farther into the neck.

Different Types of Ranula Surgery