What structure houses Wharton's duct?

Wharton's duct, also known as the submandibular duct, is the duct that drains saliva from the submandibular gland into the oral cavity. It opens at the sublingual caruncle, which is a small elevation located on either side of the lingual frenum, underneath the tongue. The sublingual caruncle serves as the anatomical landmark where Wharton's duct empties, allowing saliva to flow into the mouth, facilitating digestion and oral health.

Understanding the anatomy involved reinforces the significance of the sublingual caruncle in its role as a key structure in maintaining salivary function from the submandibular gland. This knowledge is critical for dental hygienists, as it relates to oral assessments, surgical considerations, and understanding salivary flow dynamics.