Salivary Gland Development and Structure (CF 20-21)

Salivary gland development begins between the 9th and 10th week of development. The lumen of salivary glands are formed via apoptosis.

Salivary glands respond to acetylcholine for both sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation. The parasympathetic secretion is proteins and sympathetic secretions are water and ions.

The salivary glands are controlled by post-ganglionic nerve fibers from the inferior salivary nucleus. The nerves and blood vessels are within the septum formed by the connective tissues.

Serous acini cells have secretory vesicles whereas mucous acini have secretory granules. Minor salivary glands of the palate have mucous secretions and minor salivary glands from the back of the tongue have serous secretions.

The circadian rhythm is important because minor salivary glands are active at night. Reduction in salivary secretions with an increase in ductal volume with age is typical.

The secretions of the parotid gland are exclusively serous and both its striated and intercalated ducts are long. The secretions of the sublingual gland are exclusively mucous and both its striated and intercalated ducts are short.

The submandibular gland is the largest major salivary gland and it produces the majority of salivary secretions. Salivary glands in general are compound acinar in shape and engage in merocrine secretion.

Which order is correct order of duct types starting from the acinus?

Serous demilunes are made of serous cells at the center with mucous cells on their distal ends and this formation can only be seen in conventional fixation. These serous demilunes can be found at the submandibular gland.

Which of the following is correct?

The parotid gland's blood supply is the external carotid artery. Its secretions are only serous and is has the highest frequency for salivary gland tumors but they are usually benign.

The most common cause of sialadenitis is mumps. It can also be caused by HIV, herpes, tuberculosis, and infection by staph pyogenes or staph aureus, diabetes, adrenal disease, and various metabolic conditions.