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Submandibular gland

The submandibular gland is a major salivary gland located in the submandibular triangle of the neck, beneath the mandible. It produces seromucous saliva that aids in digestion, lubrication, and oral health. Understanding its anatomy, function, and imaging characteristics is crucial for radiologists, dentists, and ENT surgeons, especially in the assessment of sialolithiasis, neoplasms, or inflammatory conditions.

Synonyms

  • Wharton’s gland

  • Submandibular salivary gland

  • Glandula submandibularis

Function

  • Produces mixed serous and mucous saliva for lubrication and digestion

  • Maintains oral hygiene by flushing the oral cavity

  • Contributes to taste and oral enzymatic activity

  • Drains saliva into the oral cavity via Wharton’s duct

MRI Appearance
T1-weighted images:

  • The gland appears intermediate signal intensity, slightly hypointense relative to surrounding fat

  • Fatty infiltration in older patients may appear hyperintense, increasing contrast

  • Pathological lesions (tumors or cysts) may appear hypo- to isointense compared with normal gland tissue

T2-weighted images:

  • Normal gland parenchyma is intermediate signal

  • Fluid-containing lesions (cysts, sialolithiasis-associated dilatation) appear hyperintense

  • Useful for detecting edema, inflammation, or cystic lesions

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights edema or pathology

  • Normal gland shows low-to-intermediate signal, while inflammatory changes, abscesses, or neoplasms appear bright hyperintense

CT Appearance

  • The gland is soft tissue density, well-delineated from surrounding fat

  • Air within the oral cavity may appear adjacent as a signal void, providing contrast

  • Sialoliths appear hyperdense (white) within the duct or gland parenchyma

  • CT is especially useful for evaluating stones, tumors, and inflammatory changes, as well as gland size and symmetry

MRI images

Submandibular gland mri axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Submandibular gland mri coronal image -img-00000-00000