What is the submandibular fossa?

• A. A bony depression on the lingual surface of the mandible that accommodates the submandibular (salivary) gland.
• B. A ridge on the buccal surface of the mandible for masseter attachment.
• C. An extension of the coronoid process.
• D. A circular fossa at the mandibular notch.

Answer: (B)

The submandibular fossa is a depression on the lingual (medial) surface of the mandible, below the mylohyoid line, that houses the submandibular gland. This inner-surface location distinguishes it from features on the buccal (outer) surface, such as a ridge for muscle attachment (the external oblique line) or other processes near the coronoid process or mandibular notch. So the best description is the hollow on the inner mandible where the submandibular gland sits.