Submandibular ganglion
Submandibular Ganglion
The Submandibular Ganglion (pronunciation: sub-man-dib-u-lar gang-le-on) is a peripheral nervous system structure that is part of the autonomic nervous system.
Etymology
The term "Submandibular" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning under, and "mandibula" meaning jawbone. "Ganglion" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion" meaning a swelling or knot.
Anatomy
The Submandibular Ganglion is located near the mandible, or lower jawbone, and is connected to the lingual nerve and the chorda tympani. It is responsible for supplying parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular gland and sublingual gland, which are both salivary glands.
Function
The primary function of the Submandibular Ganglion is to control the secretion of saliva from the submandibular and sublingual glands. This is achieved through the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the glands to produce and secrete saliva.
Related Terms
- Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
- Lingual Nerve: A branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, which supplies general sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
- Chorda Tympani: A nerve that carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands.
- Submandibular Gland: A salivary gland located beneath the lower jaw, which produces and secretes saliva into the mouth.
- Sublingual Gland: A salivary gland located beneath the tongue, which produces and secretes saliva into the mouth.
- Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals across synapses.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Submandibular ganglion
- Wikipedia's article - Submandibular ganglion
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