14. LO8: Salivary Glands

Q: What is the definition of a gland?

A group of specialized cells that produce a substance used by other parts of the body

Q: What is the function of Endocrine glands?

They are ductless glands that carry hormones internally to another organ (e.g., thyroid gland)

Q: What characterizes Exocrine glands?

They have ducts or tubes to carry secretions away to a body cavity or surface (e.g., salivary glands)

Q: What happens to the cell in Holocrine glands?

The entire cell dies and the secretion is expelled when the cell membrane breaks up (e.g., sebaceous glands)

Q: How do products exit the cell in Merocrine glands?

The product passes through the cell wall (e.g., salivary glands)

Q: Based on secretion method and ducts, how are salivary glands classified?

They are Exocrine and Merocrine

Q: What is a Simple Tubular gland structure?

It has one straight tube

Q: What is a Compound Tubuloalveolar gland structure?

It has numerous levels of branching within its duct system

Q: What structure type are salivary glands?

Compound Tubuloalveolar

Q: What are Serous secretions?

Thin, watery fluid containing most of the digestive enzymes found in saliva

Q: What are Mucous secretions?

Thicker, viscous fluid consisting mainly of carbohydrates

Q: What are Seromucous (mixed) secretions?

Secretions containing both serous and mucous cells

Q: What are the five main functions of salivary glands?

1. Produce saliva to mix with food for swallowing

2. Lubricate and cleanse the oral cavity

3. Help with speech

4. Break down starches

5. Buffer pH (remineralization)

Q: Which part of the nervous system controls salivary flow?

The parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system

Q: Which two cranial nerves control salivary flow?

VII (Facial) and IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Q: Where is the Parotid Gland located?

On the surface of the masseter muscle, behind the ramus of the mandible, anterior and inferior to the ear

Q: Which is the largest salivary gland?

The Parotid Gland

Q: What percentage of total salivary volume does the Parotid Gland produce?

25%

Q: What type of secretion does the Parotid Gland produce?

Serous secretions

Q: What is the name of the Parotid Gland duct?

Parotid or Stensen’s duct

Q: Where does Stensen’s duct open?

Opposite the maxillary second molar

Q: Which cranial nerve innervates the Parotid Gland?

IX cranial nerve (Glossopharyngeal)

Q: Where is the Submandibular Gland located?

Below and toward the posterior part of the body of the mandible

Q: Which gland produces the most saliva, and what is the percentage?

Submandibular Gland (60% to 65%)

Q: What type of secretion does the Submandibular Gland produce?

Mixed secretions (serous and mucous)

Q: What is the name of the Submandibular Gland duct?

Submandibular or Wharton’s duct

Q: Where does Wharton’s duct open?

Onto a small elevation called the sublingual caruncle

Q: Which cranial nerve innervates the Submandibular Gland?

VII nerve (Facial)

Q: Where is the Sublingual Salivary Gland located?

In the sublingual fossa, anterior floor of the mouth next to mandibular canines

Q: Which is the smallest of the three major salivary glands?

The Sublingual Salivary Gland

Q: What percentage of total salivary volume does the Sublingual Gland produce?

10%

Q: What type of secretion does the Sublingual Gland produce?

Mixed secretions with mostly mucous cells

Q: What are the ducts of the Sublingual Gland called?

Bartholin and Rivinis Ducts (several smaller ducts) and one major duct opening with the submandibular duct

Q: Which cranial nerve innervates the Sublingual Gland?

VII (Facial nerve)

Q: How do Minor Salivary Glands differ structurally from major glands?

They are similar but smaller with fewer branchings

Q: What is the major function of Minor Salivary Glands?

To keep the mucosa moist

Q: Which nerve innervates all Minor Salivary Glands?

VII (Facial nerve)

Q: Where are Labial Glands located and what do they secrete?

Upper and lower lips; mixed glands, mostly mucous

Q: Where are Buccal Glands located and what do they secrete?

Inner cheek; mixed glands

Q: Where are Palatine Glands located?

Soft palate and posterior/lateral parts of the hard palate

Q: What type of secretion do Palatine Glands produce?

Mucous secretions

Q: Why is the anterior part of the hard palate keratinized?

Because there are no minor salivary glands there to keep it moist

Q: Where are Glossopalatine Glands located?

From the posterior lateral parts of the palate down into the anterior fold of tissue in front of the palatine tonsil

Q: Where are Anterior Lingual Glands located?

Near the tip of the tongue, opening onto the under surface

Q: Where are the Lingual Glands of Von Ebner located?

Beneath the circumvallate papillae of the tongue

Q: What is the function of the Glands of Von Ebner?

To wash off the taste buds so they perceive new taste

Q: What type of secretion do the Glands of Von Ebner produce?

Serous secretions

Q: Where are Posterior Lingual Glands located?

Around lingual tonsils, posterior third of the tongue

Q: What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

A chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder involving salivary and lacrimal glands

Q: What are the two main results of Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Xerostomia (dry mouth) and Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)

Q: In which demographic is Sjogren’s Syndrome mostly found?

Middle-aged females

Q: What is the most common disorder associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Rheumatoid arthritis

Q: What are common oral clinical features of Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Fissured tongue, atrophy of papillae, red/tender mucosa, and secondary candidiasis

Q: What happens to the salivary glands in Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Enlargement, usually bilaterally

Q: Patients with Sjogren’s are at a higher risk (up to 40 times) for what condition?

Lymphoma (Hodgkins)

Q: What are some treatments for Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Artificial tears/saliva, sugar-free gum, fluoride treatments, and antifungal therapy