38 Questions
What type of tissue supports the epithelial component in salivary glands?
Connective tissue
What is the function of serous cells in salivary glands?
To produce thin, watery and proteinaceous secretion
What is the shape of serous cells under light microscopy?
Pyramidal
What is the location of the nucleus in serous cells?
Basally
What is the function of the duct system in salivary glands?
To transport saliva
What is the characteristic of the cytoplasm of serous cells under light microscopy?
Stained intensely with H & E
What is the characteristic of the Golgi complex in serous cells under electron microscopy?
Located just apical or lateral to the nucleus
What is the purpose of desmosomes in myoepithelial cells?
To provide structural stability
What is the term given to myoepithelial cells due to their unique shape?
Basket cells
What is the function of the ductal system?
To produce and modify saliva
What type of cells line the intercalated ducts?
Low cuboidal cells
What is characteristic of striated ducts under electron microscopy?
Prominent striations at the basal part of cells
What is the shape of the nucleus in intercalated ducts?
Central and round
What is found in the basal cytoplasm of intercalated duct cells?
A small amount of rER
What is the function of the striated duct in terms of secretion and reabsorption?
Reabsorb sodium and chloride, secrete potassium and bicarbonate ions
Where are the terminal excretory ducts located?
In the connective tissue septa
What type of cells are found in the terminal excretory ducts?
Pseudostratified tall columnar cells
What is the function of the Von Ebner gland?
To wash out the trough of papillae and ready the taste receptors for a new taste stimulus
Where is the Von Ebner gland located?
Between muscle fibers, below the circumvallate and foliate papillae
What type of epithelium is found in the terminal excretory ducts and excretory ducts?
Pseudostratified or stratified epithelium
What is the characteristic of the epithelial cells in the striated duct?
Microvilli on the luminal surface
What is the primary function of amylase in saliva?
Breaking down carbohydrates into glucose and maltose
What is the percentage of water in saliva?
99%
Which gland secretes the most saliva?
Submandibular gland
What is the role of lingual lipase in saliva?
Breaking down fats
What is the function of saliva in temperature regulation?
Regulating body temperature in animals
What is the purpose of the duct in Weber glands?
Secretion of saliva into the lingual crypts
What is the main component of inorganic substances in saliva?
Sodium and chloride
What is the role of saliva in oral tissue maintenance?
Moistening and lubricating oral tissues
Which gland is associated with lingual tonsils?
Weber gland
What is the role of saliva in digestion?
Breaking down carbohydrates into glucose and maltose
What is the characteristic shape of mucous cells under a light microscope?
Triangular or pyramidal
What is the characteristic feature of the nucleus in mucous cells?
Flattened and basally placed
What is the purpose of Mucicarmine stain?
To stain mucins in secretory material
What is the characteristic feature of secretory granules in mucous cells?
Large and irregular
Where are myoepithelial cells located?
Basal to the secretory or duct cells
What is the characteristic shape of myoepithelial cells?
Stellate or spiderlike
What is the function of myoepithelial cells?
To contract and help in secretion
Study Notes
Salivary Glands
- Composed of epithelial (parenchyma) and connective tissue components
Secretory Units
- Consist of serous, mucous, and myoepithelial cells
- Serous cells:
- Secretion: thin, watery, and proteinaceous
- Shape: pyramidal
- Nucleus: spherical and basally located
- Cytoplasm: intensely stained with H&E
- Contain numerous secretory granules
- Mucous cells:
- Shape: triangular or pyramidal
- Nucleus: flattened and basally placed
- Cytoplasm: washed-out in routine H&E sections
- Contain numerous granules containing mucins
- Myoepithelial cells:
- Contractile cells associated with secretory end piece and intercalated duct
- Derived from epithelium
- Stellate shaped or spiderlike shape
- Scanty perinuclear cytoplasm
Ductal System
- Consists of intercalated ducts, striated ducts, and terminal excretory ducts
- Intercalated ducts:
- Lined by a single layer of low cuboidal cells
- Contain a few secretory granules
- Round or oval centrally placed nucleus
- Small amount of RER in basal cytoplasm
- Striated ducts:
- Lined by columnar cells
- Central placed nucleus
- Pale, acidophilic cytoplasm
- Electron microscopy: prominent striations at basal part of cells
- Numerous elongated mitochondria in narrow cytoplasmic region
- Terminal excretory ducts:
- Located in connective tissue septa
- Larger in diameter than striated ducts
- Pseudostratified tall columnar cells admixed with small basal cells and goblet cells
Lingual Glands
- Anterior lingual glands: Blandin-Nuhn
- Posterior lingual glands: Von Ebner gland and Weber gland
- Von Ebner gland:
- Location: between muscle fibers, below circumvallate and foliate papillae
- Function: washing out the trough of papillae and readying taste receptors for a new taste stimulus
- Weber glands:
- Location: posterior one-third of tongue, post to sulcus terminalis in association with lingual tonsils
- Duct: dorsal surface of tongue through the lingual crypts
Composition of Saliva
- 99% water and 1% organic and inorganic substances
- Organic substances: proteins, enzymes, mucins, and antibacterial substances
- Inorganic substances: sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, and small amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, iodine, thiocyanate, and fluoride
Functions of Saliva
- Digestion of food
- Moistening and lubrication of oral tissues
- Role in speech
- Temperature regulation in animals
This quiz covers the structure and function of salivary glands, including the epithelial and connective tissue components, secretory units, and duct system. Learn about serous cells, mucous cells, and myoepithelial cells, and how they contribute to salivary gland function.
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