Minor sublingual ducts

The minor sublingual ducts (or the ducts of Rivinus) are numerous small excretory ducts of the sublingual gland. They arise from different parts of the gland and open separately into the floor of the mouth along the sublingual fold, which is produced by the underlying gland. These ducts are usually 8 to 20 in number and drain the predominantly mucous secretions of the sublingual gland directly into the oral cavity.

Unlike the major sublingual duct, the minor ducts generally open independently rather than joining the submandibular duct.

Clinical correlate

Obstruction or rupture of these ducts may lead to mucus accumulation in the floor of the mouth, resulting in formation of a ranula.