Major sublingual duct - Oral cavity - Oral cavity - e-Anatomy
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Major sublingual duct

Ductus sublingualis major

  • Eponym: Bartholin's duct

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The major sublingual duct (or the duct of Bartholin) is the largest excretory duct of the sublingual gland. It is formed by the union of several smaller ducts from the gland and usually runs anteriorly along the floor of the mouth beside the submandibular duct (Whartons duct).

In many individuals, the major sublingual duct joins the submandibular duct before opening into the oral cavity at the sublingual papilla on either side of the lingual frenulum. In some cases, it may open independently into the mouth.

The duct is lined by epithelium continuous with the oral mucosa and functions in the drainage of predominantly mucous saliva from the sublingual gland.

Clinical correlate

Obstruction or rupture of the duct may lead to mucus extravasation and formation of a ranula in the floor of the mouth.

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References

  • Grewal JS, Bordoni B, Shah J, et al. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Sublingual Gland. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535426/

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