Surgically important neurovascular structures related to the submandibular gland.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The pathologies and procedures of the submandibular gland are numerous. Comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy and its relations of the SMG will avoid iatrogenic injuries within the submandibular triangle. This study assesses the presence and frequency of neurovasculature related to the SMG with special interest on the facial artery and the marginal mandibular nerve of cranial nerve (CN) VII. METHODS: In twenty- five fresh cadavers, right and left side SMG (n=50) were dissected and observed in the department of Anatomy, faculty of Medicine, Ragama. Data were recorded on frequency of facial artery and postsynaptic sympathetic periarterial plexus and the marginal mandibular nerve of CN VII with relations to the SMG. RESULTS: The majority 40/50 had the facial artery placed on the posterior surface of the SMG outside the capsule of the gland. Two of those specimens (2/10) had the e facial attires piercing through the parenchyma of the SMG. All facial artery anomalies were found to be present unilaterally, mostly on the right side and mainly among the females. 3/50 female cadaveric specimens had the marginal mandibular nerve of CN VII nerve traversing through the superficial part of the SMG. All of them were in the right side. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate a higher rate of aberrant submandibular neurovasculature were on the right side with a female preponderance.