Each submandibular gland is divided into a superficial lobe and a deep lobe, the two being separated by the mylohyoid muscle:[3] Secretions are delivered into the submandibular duct on the deep portion after which they hook around the posterior edge of the mylohyoid muscle and proceed on the superior surface laterally.

The mucous cells are the most active and therefore the major product of the submandibular glands is saliva which is mucoid in nature.

Mucous cells secrete mucin which aids in the lubrication of the food bolus as it travels through the esophagus.

In addition, the serous cells produce salivary amylase, which aids in the breakdown of starches in the mouth.

[8] The gland is supplied by sublingual and submental arteries and drained by common facial and lingual veins.

They develop bilaterally from epithelial buds in the sulcus surrounding the sublingual folds on the floor of the primitive mouth.

Lateral to both sides of the tongue, a linear groove develops and closes over to form the submandibular duct.

Early work in identifying factors that played a role in the cervical sympathetic trunk-submandibular gland (CST-SMG) axis lead to the discovery of a seven amino acid peptide, called the submandibular gland peptide-T. SGP-T was demonstrated to have biological activity and thermoregulatory properties related to endotoxin exposure.