Unusual Variations in Path of Accessory Submandibular Salivary Gland Duct in Comparison with Main Submandibular Salivary Gland Duct

Abstract

Introduction: The submandibular gland is located bilaterally in the submandibular triangle. The main submandibular duct or Wharton’s duct, runs with lingual nerve to open in the sublingual papilla at the side of frenulum of the tongue. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the unusual variations of accessory submandibular duct in comparison with main submandibular salivary gland duct. Material & Methods: Nineteen cadavers were dissected to study the submandibular salivary duct. Results: 15.7% incidence of variations were observed. We found that one submandibular region was having unusual path of accessory duct, it emerged from superficial part of the gland and crossed the superficial surface of mylohyoid muscle and bifurcated into two branches. These bifurcated branches of duct pierced the mylohyoid muscle to pass between mylohyoid and hyoglossus muscle. One branch of bifurcated accessory duct opened through papilla in the floor of the mouth behind the lower incisor tooth and second branch of the bifurcated duct anastomosed with the main duct (Wharton’s duct) to open in sublingual papilla. Wharton’s duct of this side followed its normal path to open in the sublingual papilla. Two specimens of submandibular region was observed with duplication of submandibular duct in each submandibular gland. One was main duct and second was accessory duct. Both ducts emerged separately from the deep part of submandibular gland and ended independently into sublingual papilla. Conclusion: Reporting of these variations are important for diagnostic imaging, anatomical teaching and to help surgeons while operating in this region.