Sublingual gland

Sublingual gland is one of the three major salivary glands in humans. It is the smallest, most diffuse, and the only unencapsulated major salivary gland. It is located beneath the tongue and in front of the submandibular gland.

Anatomy

The sublingual gland is a narrow, almond-shaped gland that lies beneath the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth, close to the midline. It is located in the sublingual fossa, a narrow space on the floor of the mouth, between the mandible and the genioglossus muscle.

Function

The sublingual gland produces a mixed serous and mucous secretion. It contributes to the bulk of the saliva that moistens the mouth, helps in the process of swallowing, and plays a role in the digestion of food.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the sublingual gland, while less common than those of the other salivary glands, can still occur. These include sialolithiasis (the formation of salivary stones), sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland), and neoplasms (tumors).

See also

• Salivary gland
• Submandibular gland
• Parotid gland