Abstract

Background: The morphological study of foetal submandibular gland has been the subject of much investigation in recent years. Throughout the foetal life the submandibular salivary gland progressively increases in size and weight due to ductal proliferation , increased in lobulation and connective tissue septa. The relation of the mylohyoid muscle with respect to the submandibular salivary gland proves to be vital one during surgeries of the submandibular region. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 fetuses ranging from 10 weeks of gestation to full term were divided into three groups viz., Group I [10-16 weeks] , Group II [18-25weeks], Group III[ 28weeks – full term] and they are dissected and subjected to morphological study. Results: The shape of the gland in Group I – Global ; Group II – Ovoid ; Group III – Irregular. There was no obvious lobes and interlobular fissure in Group I ; Interlobular fissure appears in Group II ; well differentiated fissure in GroupIII. Weight and Dimentions of the gland increases from group I to group III. Mylohyoid muscle was seen just behind the Gland in group I ; just enters the interlobular fissure in Group II ; occupies the half of the fissure in Group III. Conclusion: The knowledge of morphological features and relations of the developing submandibular salivary gland contribute to future studies in dental surgery, fetopathology , perinatology and in radiadiagnosis

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