Dissection of left submaxillary (submandibular) gland and related structures

Superior relations of submaxillary gland, inferolateral view

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Image #68-3

Dissection of left submaxillary (submandibular) gland and related structures

Superior relations of submaxillary gland, inferolateral view

The submaxillary gland has been freed of its fascial capsule and pulled downward slightly to reveal vessels and lymphatic structures which lie between it and the body of the mandible.

1. Inferior labial artery and marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve (VII)
2. Remnant of depressor anguli oris (triangularis) muscle
3. Body of mandible
4. Anterior belly digastric muscle
5. Submandibular lymph nodes
6. Submental vein
7. Upper pointer: Mylohyoid muscle Lower pointer: Hyoid bone (covered by fibrous tissue)
8. Submandibular gland (note fascial layer extending medially above the gland)
9. Omohyoid muscle
10. Buccal nerve
11. External maxillary artery
12. Parotid gland (retracted)
13. Insertion of masseter muscle
14. Posterior facial vein
15. Superior deep cervical lymph node
16. Anterior facial vein (cut off)
17. Submandibular lymph node
18. Cervical nerve III
19. Descending branch hypoglossal nerve
20. Common carotid artery (covered by carotid sheath)
21. Internal jugular vein (covered by carotid sheath)