Salivary Glands medium

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Questions and Answers

What type of saliva does the submandibular gland primarily produce?

Mixed saliva (correct)

Serous saliva

Acidic saliva

Mucous saliva

Which nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular gland?

Lingual nerve

Auriculotemporal nerve

Chorda tympani nerve (correct)

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Where does Wharton's duct open in the oral cavity?

Under the anterior part of the tongue (correct)

At the gums

At the lower lip

Under the posterior part of the tongue

Which of the following glands is the smallest major salivary gland?

Sublingual gland Signup and view all the answers

What role do the recently discovered tubarial glands play?

Lubrication and swallowing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the submandibular gland is correct?

It is located between the body of the mandible and the mylohyoid muscle Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total saliva volume does the sublingual gland contribute?

5-10% Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature is associated with the minor salivary glands?

They open directly into the mouth via short ducts Signup and view all the answers

What is a benign neoplasm of the salivary glands?

Pleomorphic adenoma Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT associated with causing dry mouth?

Liver cirrhosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding malignant neoplasms of the salivary glands?

Salivary gland carcinoma is classified as malignant. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is known to contribute to dry mouth?

Antidepressants Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of obesity on salivary glands?

Reduced saliva flow Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by dry eyes and oral cavity symptoms such as erythema and thinning of the mucosa?

Sjögren’s syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome affecting the oral cavity?

Thickened saliva Signup and view all the answers

Head and neck irradiation may lead to which of the following conditions?

Xerostomia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of nicotine stomatitis?

Heat from tobacco use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by painless swelling of the parotid glands?

Sialosis Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT associated with mumps?

Chapped lips Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the oral cavity as a result of nicotine stomatitis?

Red dots at duct openings Signup and view all the answers

What systemic condition is often associated with Sjögren’s syndrome?

Raynaud phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

The destruction of acini in Sjögren’s syndrome leads to which of the following symptoms?

Dry mouth and eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the connective tissue surrounding the salivary gland?

It protects and supports the gland. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a clinical feature of mumps?

Parotid gland swelling Signup and view all the answers

Which type of acini produces a watery secretion?

Serous acini Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes minor salivary glands from major salivary glands?

They lack a distinct capsule and mix with connective tissue. Signup and view all the answers

The largest component of saliva produced by mixed salivary glands is predominantly composed of what type of secretion?

Mucous Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of serous saliva?

Lubricating food Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about adenomeres is true?

They are the working part of a salivary gland. Signup and view all the answers

How are acini within the adenomere classified?

By their cell type and secretion consistency Signup and view all the answers

What role does the septum play within the salivary gland?

It divides the gland into lobes and smaller lobules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following glands is commonly referred to as minor salivary glands?

Buccal and labial glands Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of serous saliva?

Thickening food for swallowing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mucous saliva?

Bind food into a bolus Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes serous-mucous acini from purely mucous acini?

Serous cells form a demilune around mucous cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells contract to force saliva out of the lumen?

Myoepithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

What does acinar fluid primarily consist of?

Water, inorganic ions, and synthesized cell products Signup and view all the answers

Which duct type is characterized by a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells?

Intercalated duct Signup and view all the answers

What major modification occurs in the ducts after saliva is secreted?

Resorption and further modification of saliva Signup and view all the answers

Which type of duct makes up the bulk of the duct system?

Striated duct Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with mucous secretory cells?

Production of amylase Signup and view all the answers

What role does mucous saliva play in the oral cavity?

Protects against frictional abrasion Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate destination of saliva after passing through the ducts?

It enters the oral cavity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Salivary Glands Anatomy

Parotid Gland
- Largest salivary gland
- Produces serous saliva (watery, thin, digestive enzymes)
- Located anterior to the ear, between the masseter muscle and the skin
- Stensen's Duct
  - Carries saliva from the parotid gland
  - Opens into the oral cavity opposite the 2nd upper molar tooth
- Innervation
  - Glossopharyngeal nerve (autonomic) - controls saliva production rate
  - Auriculotemporal nerve (sensory)

Submandibular Gland

Second largest salivary gland
Produces mixed saliva (mucous and serous)
Located between the body of the mandible and the mylohyoid muscle
Contributes 60-65% of total saliva volume
Wharton's Duct
- 5 cm long
- Opens under the anterior part of the tongue, lateral to the lingual frenum, at the sublingual caruncle
Innervation
- Chorda tympani nerve (branch of the facial nerve) - carries parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular gland and tongue
- Lingual branch of the inferior dental nerve - also provides some innervation

Sublingual Gland

Smallest of the major salivary glands
Produces predominantly mucous saliva (thick viscous)
Located on the floor of the mouth in the sublingual fossa
Contributes 5-10% of total saliva volume
Bartholin's Duct
- Main duct
- 10-20 smaller ducts (Rivinus ducts) also open along the sublingual fold
Innervation is the same as the submandibular gland

Tubarial Glands

Recently discovered salivary gland located in the nasopharynx
May play a role in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal lubrication and swallowing
May be involved in Sjögren's Syndrome

Minor Salivary Glands

Numerous small groups of secretory units found throughout the oral cavity, except for the gingiva
Mixed saliva, mostly mucous, with lots of salivary proteins
Contribute over 10% of total saliva volume
Named based on location (e.g., buccal or labial glands)

Salivary Gland Structure

Epithelium - lines the ducts and produces saliva
Connective Tissue
- Surrounds the epithelium, providing support and protection
- Divided into the capsule (outer layer) and septa (inner divisions)
- Contains the nerve and blood supply to the gland

Adenomeres

Working part of a salivary gland
Surrounded by connective tissue

Acini

Secretory units within adenomeres
Made up of secretory cells
Resting against the surrounding connective tissue
Types:
- Mucous Acini - produce mucous saliva which binds food into a bolus and protects the oral cavity
- Serous Acini - produce serous saliva, which lubricates food, initiates enzyme-based digestion, removes debris, and dilutes food
- Serous-Mucous Acini - serous cells form a demilune around mucous cells

Myoepithelial Cells

Embrace the acini secretory cells
Contract and squeeze to force saliva out of the lumen and into the ducts

Acinar Fluid

Not yet saliva
Consists of:
- Water
- Inorganic ions
- Small molecules and products synthesized by cells (mucoproteins and amylase)
Modified as it travels through the ducts

Ducts

Saliva travels and undergoes further modification through these
Three types:
- Intercalated Ducts - lined by a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells
- Striated Ducts - bulk of the duct system, contribute to saliva modification
- Excretory Ducts - open into the oral cavity

Salivary Stimulants

Food and other stimuli (e.g., taste, smell, chewing)
Parasympathetic nerve stimulation (increases saliva production)
Sympathetic nerve stimulation (decreases saliva production)

Salivary Gland Disorders

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Can be caused by:
- Emotional disturbances (e.g., anxiety)
- Mouth breathing
- Smoking
- Medications (e.g., antidepressants, antianxiety drugs)
- Talking for long periods

Degenerative

Sjögren's Syndrome
- Immunological disorder causing dry eyes and dry mouth
- Acini are destroyed
- Commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon

Inflammation/Infection

Mumps
- Acute viral infection causing inflammation and swelling of the parotid glands
Nicotine Stomatitis
- Inflammation of minor salivary glands on the palate due to heat from tobacco use
- Causes red dots on the palate

Sialosis

Painless swelling of the parotid glands, not caused by inflammation or infection
May occur on its own or due to other medical conditions (e.g., bulimia, diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, kidney failure)

Neoplasms (Tumours)

Benign
- Warthin's tumor
- Pleomorphic adenoma
Malignant
- Salivary gland carcinoma
- Acinic cell carcinoma

Functional Disorders

Dry mouth caused by:
- Emotional disturbances e.g., anxiety, depression, stress
- Mouth breathing
- Smoking
- Drugs
- Talking for long periods

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and functions of the salivary glands, focusing on the parotid and submandibular glands. This quiz will cover their locations, ducts, saliva production types, and innervation. Perfect for students of anatomy and physiology.