**Core Concept**
The **submandibular salivary gland** receives secretomotor innervation that controls the secretion of saliva. This innervation is primarily parasympathetic, originating from the **cranial nerve VII (facial nerve)**. The parasympathetic fibers are responsible for stimulating the gland to produce and secrete saliva.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the specific pathways through which these secretomotor fibers are carried to the submandibular gland. Normally, these fibers travel from the **superior salivatory nucleus** in the brainstem via the **facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)**, then through the **chorda tympani** and finally via the **lingual nerve** (a branch of the **mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V3**) to reach the **submandibular ganglion**, from which postganglionic fibers innervate the gland.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is incorrect because the chorda tympani indeed carries secretomotor fibers to the submandibular gland.
**Option B:** This choice is incorrect as the lingual nerve acts as a conduit for these fibers.
**Option C:** This choice is incorrect because the facial nerve is the primary nerve involved in carrying these secretomotor fibers.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the submandibular gland's secretomotor innervation involves a complex pathway but ultimately relies on the integrity of the facial nerve and its branches for salivary secretion.

**Correct Answer:** D.