Submandibular gland

Looks like

A walnut-sized salivary gland under each side of the jaw.

What it does

Makes most of the resting saliva, emptying under the tongue.

Keeping it well

Stones block it, causing swelling at mealtimes; drinking water helps prevent them. A firm, persistent lump needs examination.

Its parts

• Right submandibular gland
• Left submandibular gland
• Submandibular duct

Related conditions

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Lichen planus
• Mouth ulcers (aphthous stomatitis)
• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Salivary gland stones
• Salivary gland tumours
• Sjögren's disease
• Stevens–Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis