submaxillary gland: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “submaxillary gland” mean?
A salivary gland located beneath the lower jaw.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salivary gland located beneath the lower jaw.
One of the major salivary glands, specifically the submandibular gland, which secretes saliva into the mouth through ducts under the tongue. In older anatomical terminology, 'submaxillary' was used synonymously with 'submandibular,' though the latter is now more precise in human anatomy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both regions prefer the modern term 'submandibular gland' in contemporary medical practice.
Connotations
None. Purely technical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in historical or comparative anatomical texts. The modern term 'submandibular gland' is far more common in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “submaxillary gland” in a Sentence
The [adjective] submaxillary gland [verb, e.g., secretes, becomes inflamed].Inflammation of the submaxillary gland.The [condition] affected the submaxillary gland.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “submaxillary gland” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will excise the submaxillary gland.
- The infection can submaxillarise the surrounding tissue. (Note: 'submaxillarise' is a highly specialised and rare verb form.)
American English
- The surgeon will remove the submaxillary gland.
- The condition caused the submaxillary gland to become obstructed.
adverb
British English
- The duct opened submaxillarily. (Extremely rare, technical adverb.)
American English
- The tumour was located submaxillarily. (Extremely rare, technical adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The submaxillary region was tender to palpation.
- He had a submaxillary gland excision.
American English
- The submaxillary area was swollen.
- She underwent submaxillary gland surgery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, dental, and biological sciences, primarily in historical or comparative contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A person would say 'a swollen gland under my jaw.'
Technical
The primary context. Used in anatomy, pathology, surgery, dentistry, and zoology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “submaxillary gland”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “submaxillary gland”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “submaxillary gland”
- Misspelling as 'submaxillary gland' (missing an 'l').
- Confusing it with the parotid or sublingual glands.
- Using it in everyday conversation where simpler terms are expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern terminology for human anatomy, they refer to the same structure. 'Submandibular gland' is the preferred contemporary term, while 'submaxillary gland' is older but still used, especially in comparative anatomy.
It is located beneath the lower jaw (mandible), on either side of the neck.
It is a major salivary gland that produces and secretes saliva into the mouth via Wharton's duct, which opens under the tongue. Its saliva contains both serous and mucous components.
Highly unlikely unless you work in healthcare, biology, or dentistry. In a medical situation, a doctor would likely use simpler language like 'a salivary gland under your jaw.'
A salivary gland located beneath the lower jaw.
Submaxillary gland is usually technical/medical in register.
Submaxillary gland: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbmækˈsɪləri ɡlænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbmækˈsɪləri ɡlænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is strictly technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUB (under) + MAXILLARY (relating to the jawbone) + GLAND = a gland under the jaw.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable; it is a literal anatomical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern, more precise term for the 'submaxillary gland' in human anatomy?