salivary glands overview

salivary glands

exocrine glands whose primary function is to produce saliva that is ultimately released into the oral cavity through ducts

saliva

• aids in digestion

• composed of mostly water, but also electrolytes and digestive enzymes like amylase and lipase

what are the 3 paired groups of salivary glands?

• parotid glands

• submandibular glands

• sublingual glands

parotid glands

• largest

• located bilaterally, anterior to the ears and extend inferiorly, where they are bounded anteriorly by the rami of the mandibles and posteriorly by the mastoid processes of the temporal bones

• the bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles are located posterior to these glands

• has 3 lobes

Stensen duct

main duct of the parotid gland

submandibular glands

• located beneath the floor of the mouth and are bordered laterally by the body of the mandible and superiorly by musculature

• drained by the Wharton duct

sublingual glands

located just under the tongue and anterior to the submandibular glands

what transducer is most often used to image the salivary glands?

• high-frequency transducer

• if glands are enlarged, a lower frequency transducer may be needed

• for superficial masses, a standoff pad may be needed

sonographic appearance of normal salivary glands:

hyperechoic compared to the adjacent musculature

sonographic appearance of the parotid gland:

• in sag: elliptical shape

• in trv: round shape

sonographic appearance of the sublingual glands:

round shape

sonographic appearance of the submandibular glands:

triangular shape