**Core Concept**
The submandibular salivary gland is a vital organ located under the mandible, and its surgical removal often involves careful dissection to avoid damaging nearby nerves. The nerve most frequently involved in this procedure is the one responsible for controlling facial expressions and sensation in the face.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is the correct answer because it is closely associated with the submandibular gland and its surgical removal often requires careful dissection to avoid damaging this nerve. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, including the muscles of the face, as well as providing sensation to the face. The nerve passes through the stylomastoid foramen and then enters the parotid gland, where it divides into several branches that supply the muscles of facial expression.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) is involved in controlling the muscles of the tongue and is not typically involved in the surgical removal of the submandibular gland.

**Option B:** The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) is involved in controlling the muscles of the pharynx and is not typically involved in the surgical removal of the submandibular gland.

**Option C:** The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) and is responsible for sensation in the tongue, but it is not the nerve most frequently involved in the surgical removal of the submandibular gland.

**Option D:** The lingual nerve is not the correct answer, as explained above.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When performing surgery on the submandibular gland, it is essential to identify and preserve the facial nerve, as damage to this nerve can result in facial weakness, paralysis, or numbness.

**Correct Answer: C. Facial**