They are situated just superficial to the submandibular salivary gland, and posterolateral to the anterior belly of either digastric muscle. One gland, the
middle gland of Stahr, which lies on the
facial artery as it turns over the mandible, is the most constant of the series; small lymph glands are sometimes found on the deep surface of the
submandibular gland.
Afferents They drain the upper lip, body of tongue, cheeks, anterior portion of the
hard palate, and most teeth with their associated periodontium and gingiva (except for the mandibular incisor teeth and third molar teeth). The facial and
submental lymph nodes may also drain into the submandibular glands.
Efferents They drain to the
superior deep cervical lymph nodes. == Clinical significance ==