What does submandibular mean?
Submandibular means situated beneath the mandible, the bone forming the lower part of the jaw. The expression is most familiar from anatomy: the submandibular glands are paired salivary glands beneath the jaw, and they produce saliva rich in the enzyme amylase, which begins the breakdown of starch during chewing. The term can also identify other structures or regions below the lower jaw, such as the submandibular triangle and the submandibular space. In medical and dental writing, it precisely distinguishes structures below the mandible from those relating to the mandible generally, such as the mandibular nerve or mandibular canal. Although “submaxillary” is sometimes encountered as an alternative term, “submandibular” is the standard modern anatomical expression and is widely used in clinical descriptions of the head and neck.
adjectiveRelating to or situated beneath the mandible (lower jaw). In anatomy, the term is commonly used to describe the submandibular gland and associated structures.
- Relating to or situated beneath the mandible (lower jaw).
- Relating to the submandibular gland or the anatomical region containing it.
"The surgeon examined the swelling in the patient's submandibular region."
"The submandibular glands are located beneath the lower jaw on either side of the tongue."
"An ultrasound revealed a small mass in the submandibular triangle."
The submandibular glands sit beneath the jaw and produce much of the saliva that begins digestion in the mouth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does submandibular come from?
“Submandibular” was formed in English from the Latin prefix sub-, meaning “under,” and mandibula, meaning “jaw.” Its underlying roots are also reflected in English words such as “mandible” and “mandibular.” The compound combines these elements in the transparent anatomical sense “under the jaw.”
Related word forms
How submandibular is actually used
This is a specialized anatomical term, used most often in medicine, dentistry, and anatomy. It is not normally used in general conversation.
Easily confused with submandibular
“Mandibular” means relating to the mandible itself, whereas “submandibular” specifies a location beneath the mandible.