A Single Institution Cadaveric Study on Anatomical Variation of the Sublingual Gland Duct

The purpose of this study was to conduct a cadaveric dissection study on the anatomical variation of the sublingual (SLG) excretory ducts and dictate an improved understanding of the anatomical communication between the SLG duct and submandibular (SMG) ducts. This study is carried out by standardized dissection of anterior floor of mouth in 6 formalin-fixed adult cadavers in Silent Mentor Workshop University Malaya in August 2020. The cadavers had no trace of scars, adhesions, signs of trauma or operation. SMG duct opening was identified lateral to the lingual frenulum through a papilla in the floor of mouth behind the lower incisor tooth. A horizontal incision line was done over floor of mouth just lateral to the opening. SMG duct and SLG was traced and skeletonized. Any presence of major duct arising from the SLG and its communication with SMG duct were investigated. We found there are 3 patterns of SLG excretory duct variants; (1) One major (Bartholin’s) duct which open independently at its own orifice adjacent to the orifice of the Wharton’s duct of SMG. (2) One major (Bartholin’s) duct which joined into the Wharton’s duct of SMG. (3) Absent of a major duct arising from SLG. The overall mean diameter of SLG ducts were 1.3 ± 0.41 and the mean length of SLG ducts were 18.5 ± 6.55. The overall mean diameter of SMG ducts was 2.6 ± 0.74 and the mean length of SMG ducts were 46.5 ± 6.57. Excretory ductal system of SLG showed great variations, not only between the different cadavers but also within the different sides of the same cadaver. Awareness of potential anatomical variations can aid in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with salivary gland pathology as well as help surgeons reveal potential risk factor and avoid complications during surgical procedures in the floor of mouth.