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Glite Dictionary
submandibular gland

submandibular gland

6.5
One of two glands beneath the lower jaw that make saliva, often at night
  • noun
  • /ˌsʌbmænˈdɪbjələr ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula submandibular
  • The second operation included excision of the left submandibular gland and the level I lymph nodes.
  • excising the submandibular gland
  • left submandibular gland
  • level of the submandibular gland

Examples

  • Following removal of the submandibular gland, the surgical site is closed in three layers.

    Academic text (2004)

  • We believe this is the first reported case of one involving the submandibular gland.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The mass was removed by excising the left submandibular gland.

    Academic text (1996)

  • An unusual case of an ancient schwannoma of the submandibular gland is reported.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Two branches of the facial artery supply blood to the submandibular gland.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The submandibular gland is the second largest of the salivary glands.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Venous drainage of the submandibular gland occurs via the posterior facial vein, which drains into the internal jugular vein.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The submandibular gland produces a large amount of saliva while we sleep.

  • During the examination, the doctor explained the function of the submandibular gland in digesting food.

  • The submandibular gland sits beneath the lower jaw and contributes significantly to saliva production.

Synonyms

submandibular salivary gland
vssubmandibular gland
  • Specialized
6.0

A gland under the lower jaw that makes saliva and releases it under the tongue, often at night

is the same meaning but adds emphasis on saliva amount and night production
submaxillary gland
vssubmandibular gland
  • Specialized
8.0

A gland under the lower jaw that makes saliva

uses an alternative term for the same gland without changing meaning
submaxillary salivary gland
vssubmandibular gland
  • Specialized
6.8

A small part under the lower jaw that makes saliva and sends it under the tongue

focuses on emptying action rather than amount produced or timing
submandibular
vssubmandibular gland
  • Specialized
8.2

A gland under the lower jaw that makes saliva

specifies paired glands that produce much saliva especially during the night

Surface Forms

submandibular gland singular
submandibular glands plural

Morphology

submandibular + gland

The phrase is directly compositional: 'submandibular' means located under the lower jaw and 'gland' denotes an organ that releases fluids, so together they denote a gland beneath the jaw that produces saliva. While medical in register, the meaning is fully derivable from the constituents for a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Submandibular gland literally tells where it is: sub means 'under' and mandibular means the lower 'jaw', so the name points to the gland under the jaw. That gland makes 'saliva', so the name helps you remember its meaning.