It begins by numerous branches from the superficial surface of the gland, and runs forward between the mylohyoid, hyoglossus, and genioglossus muscles.

It then passes between the sublingual gland and the genioglossus and opens by a narrow opening on the summit of a small papilla (the "sublingual caruncle") at the side of the frenulum of the tongue.

[1] The exit of the submandibular gland into the mouth may be realigned in patients who drool.

[5] The submandibular duct was initially described by the English anatomist Thomas Wharton ( 1614-73) and is sometimes referred to by his name.

[6] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1135 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)