The forceful ejection of a thin stream of saliva from underneath the tongue is a curious physiological occurrence that many people experience, often by accident. This spontaneous spitting typically happens without warning during common activities like yawning or talking. Though it may seem like an involuntary reflex, the mechanism involves the normal function of the mouth’s salivary system. Understanding the cause requires a look into the specific anatomy located on the floor of the mouth, which is responsible for producing and releasing saliva.
The Specific Name for This Action
The common, non-medical name for this phenomenon is “gleeking.” This term describes the projection of a jet of saliva from the sublingual area. The action is often compared to a spitting cobra’s venom delivery due to the sudden, directed stream of liquid.
Although some sources mention the possibility of a more formal term like “sublingual sialorrhea,” “gleeking” remains the most recognized and appropriate answer for the specific act of a forceful stream. This term applies whether the action is performed intentionally or occurs as an involuntary reflex. It is a normal quirk of human physiology, despite the surprise it may cause when it happens unexpectedly.
The Source of the Saliva Stream
The saliva stream originates from the major salivary glands located on the floor of the mouth, primarily the submandibular glands. These glands are situated beneath the lower jaw and are the second largest pair of major salivary glands. They contribute the majority of saliva when the mouth is at rest, accounting for about 60–67% of unstimulated saliva secretion.
The saliva from the submandibular gland travels through a channel called the submandibular duct, also known as Wharton’s duct. This duct is approximately five centimeters long and opens into the mouth at a small, raised area called the sublingual caruncle, located on either side of the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth). Gleeking happens when accumulated saliva is suddenly propelled out of this small opening.
What Triggers the Phenomenon
The trigger for this action is a sudden application of mechanical pressure on the salivary gland or its duct. This pressure is often caused by a rapid movement of the tongue or the muscles surrounding the gland. The mylohyoid muscle, which forms the floor of the mouth, is situated near the submandibular gland and plays a role in this compression.
When the tongue moves quickly—such as during a deep yawn, speaking certain words, or manipulating food—it presses against the floor of the mouth. If enough saliva has built up, this sudden compression squeezes the submandibular gland or duct, forcing the liquid out in a spray. This pressure dynamic is similar to squeezing a tube of toothpaste, resulting in the characteristic jet stream from the narrow duct opening.