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