Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the ducts of the submandibular gland (SMG) and sublingual gland (SLG) and discuss its clinical application relating to SMG radiologic examinations and transfer.
Materials and methods: The microanatomy of the SMG and SLG was investigated by use of 30 adult cadavers through anatomic dissection by use of a microscope. The relationship between the SMG and SLG ducts was observed and recorded during operations of microvascular autologous SMG transfer in 63 cases of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Results: There were 3 patterns of SLG and SMG duct anatomic variation: 1) The SMG and SLG have their own respective ducts that secrete separately at the orifices of the ducts in the floor of the mouth. 2) The SLG has a major duct that joins the duct of the SMG. 3) The SLG only has many fine ducts (7-15) that secrete in the floor of the mouth.
Conclusions: The anatomy of the ducts of the SMG and SLG is quite complicated. More attention should be paid to the anatomy of the ducts during surgery or imaging procedures related to the SMG.
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