what does a submandibular gland do?

Answer 1

The submandibular glands (aka submaxillary glands) are a pair of salivary exocrine glands located beneath the floor of the mouth (beneath the tongue). These glands contain secretory cells that have distinct functions:
(1) the serous cells produce an enzyme called salivary amylase, which aids in the breakdown of starches (a type of complex carbohydrate/sugar found in foods like bread) in the mouth.
(2) Mucous cells secrete mucin (a family of glyosylated proteins) which aids in the lubrication of the food bolus as it travels down the esophagus on its way to the stomach. This makes it easy for the bolus to travel down the esophagus while also making sure that the bolus does not tear and wear the esophagus as it moves along it. The mucous cells are the most active cells of the submandibular glands. Therefore, the major product of the submandibular glands is viscous saliva.

***The submandibular glands produce approximately 70% of the total salivary volume of the mouth.

So to cut a long story short, the submandibular glands aid in mastication (chewing process) and digestion of food in the mouth, as well as swallowing the food down the esophagus so it enters into the stomach to migrate to the intestine for complete digestion and absorption.

Answer 2

its a salivary gland