Salivary Glands

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to salivary gland anatomy, physiology, and development based on the lecture notes.

Salivary Glands

Exocrine glands in the mouth that produce saliva, which aids in digestion, lubrication, and protection.

Serous

A type of secretion that is watery and rich in enzymes, such as α-amylase.

Mucous

A type of secretion that is thick and viscous, primarily composed of mucins.

Saliva

A digestive fluid produced by the salivary glands that has a pH of 6.5-6.9 and serves various functions including buffering.

Parotid Gland

The largest salivary gland that produces a serous secretion primarily rich in α-amylase.

Submandibular Gland

A salivary gland producing two-thirds of saliva, with a mixture of serous and mucous acini.

Sublingual Gland

The smallest major salivary gland, primarily secreting mucous saliva with some serous components.

Acinar Cells

Cells in the salivary glands responsible for the secretion of saliva.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells in the salivary glands that have the potential for renewal and differentiation into various cell types.

Budding

The initial stage of salivary gland development characterized by the formation of bud-like structures from the epithelium.

Myogenic Differentiation

A process involving the differentiation of stem cells into specific functional cells within the salivary gland.

Morphogenesis

The biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape, which is crucial for the proper formation of salivary glands.

Epithelial Cells

Cells that line the salivary glands and play a crucial role in secretion and formation of gland structures.