Dissection of left submaxillary (submandibular) gland and related structures

Medial relations of submaxillary duct, anterolateral view

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Image #68-5

Dissection of left submaxillary (submandibular) gland and related structures

Medial relations of submaxillary duct, anterolateral view

The submaxillary gland has been resected although the principal branches of its duct (4), as well as nerves and blood vessels, remain in situ. Structures which lie medial to the gland are visible through their fascial coverings.

1. Body of mandible
2. Submandibular lymph node
3. Mylohyoid muscle (posterior border)
4. Submandibular duct
5. Fascial sling for tendon of digastric muscle (continuous with the fascia which surrounded submandibular gland)
6. Stylohyoid muscle
7. Superior laryngeal artery
8. Body hyoid bone (covered by fascia)
9. Thyrohyoid branch of hypoglossal nerve
10. Thyrohyoid muscle
11. External maxillary artery
12. Submandibular branches of submandibular ganglion
13. Common facial vein
14. Glandular branch external maxillary artery (note accompanying plexus of veins)
15. Upper pointer: Artery to lymph node Lower pointer: Superior deep cervical lymph node
16. Internal jugular vein
17. Common carotid artery (covered by carotid sheath)
18. Descending branch hypoglossal nerve
19. Prevertebral fascia
20. Superior thyroid artery