Abstract
The normal structure and function of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands is dependent on impulses carried by the chorda tympani. After sectioning the chorda tympani Bernard (1864) and Heidenhain (1868) reported a decrease in the secretory activity and weight of the submandibular gland of the dog. Bradford (1888) noted a similar weight change in the submandibular gland of the cat and dog. Chang and Gaddum ('35) found a weight decrease in the submandibular gland of the eat, as did Macintosh ('37) after sectioning the chordalingual nerve. Emmalin ('51) noted a decrease in the weight and secretory activity of the submandibular gland of the cat after sectioning the ehordalingual nerve. Weight changes and histological changes were found in the submandibular and major retrolingual glands of the rat by Houssay, et al ('62), and Peronace, et al ('64a). Wells and Peronace ('64) noted a weight decrease in the complete submandibular gland (submandibular gland + retrolingual gland) of the rat after sectioning the chorda tympani. A review of the literature on the physiologic effects of sectioning the chorda tympani is given by Burgen and Emmalin ('60).