Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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The clinical anatomy of the accessory submandibular gland: a comprehensive review

  • Andrea Yazbeck (Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Joe Iwanaga (Division of Gross and Clinical Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jerzy A. Walocha (Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College) ;
  • Lukasz Olewnik (Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz) ;
  • R. Shane Tubbs (Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2022.06.15
  • Accepted : 2022.10.20
  • Published : 2023.03.31
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Abstract

An accessory submandibular gland is a rare variation. As such, there is limited literature regarding the embryology, anatomy, variations, clinical imaging, and pathology of the accessory submandibular gland. In this article, we review the existing literature on the accessory submandibular gland from clinical and anatomical perspectives. The goal of this review is to provide comprehensive knowledge of this variation which can be useful for oral and maxillofacial/head and neck surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists. Within this review, the embryologic origin as well as the anatomy of the accessory submandibular gland is detailed. Several imaging modalities which can be used to visualize the accessory submandibular gland are outlined as well as its variations. Lastly, this review investigates several reported clinical considerations regarding the accessory submandibular gland including sialoliths, Wharton's duct obstruction, and pleomorphic adenoma.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [30]. The authors state that every effort was made to follow all local and international ethical guidelines and laws that pertain to the use of human cadaveric donors in anatomical research [31].

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