Submandibular space

The submandibular space is paired on either side, located on the superficial surface of the mylohyoid muscle between the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle. This space is enclosed by the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia. The space corresponds to the anatomic region termed the submandibular triangle, part of the anterior triangle of the neck. 

Boundaries: 

• the mylohyoid muscle superiorly,
• the skin, superficial fascia, platysma muscle and superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia inferiorly and laterally,
• the medial surface of the mandible anteriorly and laterally,
• the hyoid bone posteriorly,
• the anterior belly of the digastric muscle medially.

Contents:

• submandibular gland (superficial portion)
• branches of the facial and lingual artery
• lymph nodes.
• hypoglossal nerve XII (inferior loop)
• nerve to mylohyoid muscle