| Salivary Gland |
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| digestive system | |
| mouth | |
| glands | |
| exocrine system | |
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There are three main pairs of salivary glands: the Parotid , the Submandibular and the Sublingual Gland s. There are also many small glands in the Tongue , Cheek s, Lips and Palate , all of which consist entirely of mucous secreting cells (see Histology below) except for the Serous Glands of von Ebner, which reside within the moats surrounding the circumvallate papillae in the posterior 1/3 of the tongue, anterior to the '''terminal sulcus'''. HISTOLOGY Two types of Epithelial Cell s in salivary glands produce either mucous or serous secretions. The parotid gland produces serous secretions. The submandibular and submaxillary glands contain a mixture of both types of cells, and produce a mixture of the two liquids. Details Classification The salivary glands can be classified into serous and mixed glands.
Structure The glands are enclosed in a capsule of Connective Tissue and internally divided into Lobules . Blood vessels and nerves enter the glands at the Hilum and gradually branch out into the lobules. There are 3 main types of cells that are found in the major salivary glands: # Serous cells, which are pyramidal in shape and are joined to usually form a spherical mass of cells called Acinus , with a small lumen in the centre. # Mucous cells are usually cuboidal in shape and organised as tubules, consisting of cylindrical arrays of secretory cells surrounding a lumen. These cells preoduce Glycoproteins that are used for moistening and lubricating functions of the saliva. # Myoepithelial cells surround each secretory portion and are able to contract to accelerate secretion of the saliva. In the duct system, the lumens formed by the secretory cells empty into intercalated ducts, which in turn join to form striated ducts. These drain into ducts situated between the lobes of the gland (called interlobar or excretory ducts). The main duct of the salivary glands ultimately empties into the mouth. LOCATION OF THE GLANDS There are three salivary glands:
ROLE IN DISEASE See Mumps (parotiditis epidemica) and Sjögren Syndrome . Salivary Duct Calculus may cause blockage of the ducts, causing pain and swelling of the gland. Tumors of the salivary glands may occur. These are usually benign, but may be malignant. The most common type of benign tumor is Pleomorphic Adenoma , followed by Warthin's Tumor . The most common malignant tumor is Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma . DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION A sialogram is a Radiocontrast study of a Salivary Duct . EXTERNAL LINKS |