Location and Relations - The submandibular ganglion is small and fusiform in shape. - It is situated above the deep portion of the submandibular gland, on the hyoglossus muscle, near the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle. - The ganglion hangs by two nerve filaments from the lower border of the lingual nerve. - It is suspended from the lingual nerve by two filaments, one anterior and one posterior. - Through the posterior filament, it receives a branch from the chorda tympani nerve.

Fibers - The submandibular ganglion is the site of synapse for parasympathetic fibers. - It also carries other types of nerve fibers that do not synapse in the ganglion. - Sympathetic fibers from the external carotid plexus do not synapse in this ganglion. - Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the superior salivatory nucleus synapse at this ganglion. - Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers are secretomotor to the oral mucosa and the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.

Additional Images - Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, seen from the middle line. - Diagram of efferent sympathetic nervous system.

References - I. B. Singh (2008). The Facial Nerve. - Essentials of Anatomy. Jaypee Brothers Publishers. p.395. ISBN9788184484618.

External Links - Anatomy figure: 27:03-10 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center - Cranial nerves at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) - VII Autonomics of the Head and Neck – Page 9 of 14 anatomy module at med.umich.edu