Wharton’s duct drains
## **Core Concept**
Wharton's duct is associated with the salivary glands. Specifically, it is a duct that carries saliva from one of the major salivary glands to the oral cavity.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **submandibular gland**, is right because Wharton's duct, also known as the submandibular duct, carries saliva from the submandibular gland to the sublingual papilla in the floor of the mouth. This duct is crucial for the drainage of saliva from the submandibular gland into the oral cavity, where it aids in the digestion of food.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** The **parotid gland** is incorrect because it drains through Stensen's duct (parotid duct), not Wharton's duct. Stensen's duct carries saliva from the parotid gland to the oral cavity.
- **Option C:** The **sublingual gland** is incorrect because, while it does drain into the floor of the mouth, it primarily does so through the **sublingual duct** (Rivinus' duct), not Wharton's duct. The sublingual gland has multiple small ducts and one major duct.
- **Option D:** This option is not provided, but based on the context, any other salivary gland or structure would not be correct.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that obstruction of Wharton's duct can lead to swelling of the submandibular gland and potentially cause sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland). This condition can be painful and may require medical intervention.
## **Correct Answer:** B. submandibular gland.