Salivary Glands Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on critical terms and definitions relating to salivary glands, their anatomy, pathology, treatment, and related conditions.

Parotid Gland

The largest salivary gland, situated below the acoustic meatus.

Parotid Capsule

The connective tissue that encloses the parotid gland.

Stensen’s Duct

The duct through which saliva flows from the parotid gland to the oral cavity.

Buccinator Muscle

The muscle that Stensen's duct passes through.

Deep Cervical Fascia

The layer of connective tissue that helps form the capsule of the parotid gland.

Superficial Part of Parotid Gland

The larger section (80%) of the parotid gland.

Deep Part of Parotid Gland

The smaller section (20%) of the parotid gland.

External Carotid Artery

The artery that supplies blood to the parotid gland.

Facial Nerve

The cranial nerve that innervates the muscles of facial expression and branches within the parotid gland.

Retromandibular Vein

The vein formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins.

Great Auricular Nerve

A cutaneous sensory nerve that innervates regions around the angle and lower part of the ear.

Sialorrhoea

Increased salivary flow.

Xerostomia

Decreased salivary flow.

Minor Salivary Glands

Small glands distributed throughout the mouth that contribute to 10% of total salivary volume.

Sublingual Gland

The gland located under the tongue that drains into the oral cavity.

Ectopic Salivary Gland

Salivary tissue located outside its normal location, commonly seen in Stafne bone cyst.

Saliva Composition

Contains amylase, immunoglobulin IgA, lysozyme, and lactoferrin.

Sialography

A radiographic procedure to visualize the salivary glands and ducts.

Salivary Calculus

Calcified material in the salivary glands, often causing obstruction.

Sialadenitis

Inflammation of a salivary gland.

Acute Sialadenitis

A sudden onset of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the salivary gland.

Chronic Sialadenitis

Long-term inflammation of salivary glands, often recurring.

FNAC

Fine needle aspiration cytology; a diagnostic procedure used for salivary gland tumors.

Pleomorphic Adenoma

The most common benign salivary gland tumor, often occurring in the parotid gland.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

The most common malignant salivary gland tumor.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

A slow-growing but highly malignant salivary gland tumor.

Facial Nerve Palsy

Weakness or paralysis of the facial nerve, often associated with salivary gland tumors.

Parotidectomy

Surgical removal of the parotid gland.

Sialolithiasis

Presence of stones in the salivary glands.

Frey’s Syndrome

Gustatory sweating due to nerve damage during surgery.

Treatment of Sialolithiasis

Stone removal is often performed intraorally.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma

A rare type of salivary gland cancer most typically affecting the parotid.

Radical Parotidectomy

Complete removal of the parotid gland along with surrounding tissues.

Complications of Sialadenitis

Include abscess formation and potential for necrosis.

Great Auricular Nerve Injury

Can lead to numbness of the ear lobule.

Incision for Parotidectomy

Typically a lazy 'S' shaped incision.

Diagnosis of Salivary Tumors

Involves clinical examinations, FNAC, and imaging studies.

Surgical Treatment for Cancer

May include parotidectomy with or without removal of lymph nodes.

Incidence of Malignancy in Parotid Gland

Only 20%, whereas 50% in submandibular gland.

Nuance of Salivary Flow

Resting salivary flow primarily from the submandibular gland.

Manifold Factors for Salivary Tumors

Include environmental influences and recurrent inflammation.

Acute Phase Restrictions

Sialography is contraindicated.

Surgical Risks

Include nerve injury and complications like Frey’s syndrome.

Mumps Virus

A viral cause of sialadenitis, particularly affecting the parotid gland.

Sialographic Findings

Can indicate strictures and stone formations.

Neck Dissection

Possible surgical procedure for malignancies involving lymph nodes.

Salivary Flow Rate

Normal secretion of saliva is about 1500 ml/day.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, potentially indicating deep lobe involvement.

Temperature Assessment

Monitoring for signs of systemic infection.

Pain Management

Analgesics used to alleviate discomfort from sialadenitis.

Thyroid Gland Proximity

Located near salivary glands and can be involved in pathology.

Sialorrhea Indications

Treatment may be required for excessive saliva.

External Jugular Vein

Vein responsible for draining blood from the head and neck.

Lymphatic Involvement

In salivary gland malignancies, indicates a worse prognosis.

Diagnostic Imaging

CT and MRI are critical for evaluating deep lobe conditions.

Metastatic Spread

Can occur with malignant tumors of the salivary glands.

Sialolithiasis Management

Involves either stone removal or gland excision.

Return to Function

Post-surgery, aim for preservation of facial nerve functionality.

Histopathological Examination

Critical for confirming salivary gland tumor type.

Evolution of Tumors

Benign tumors can become malignant over time.

Radiographic Characteristics

Specific stones may appear radio-opaque or radiolucent.

Prognostic Indicators

Size and type of tumor affect treatment outcomes.

Washout Procedure

Used in sialadenitis treatment to clear the duct.

Cultural Sensitivity

Analysis of pus from abscess for targeted treatment.

Hydration Therapy

Important in managing dehydrated patients with sialadenitis.

Management Protocols

Follow established guidelines for treating salivary conditions.

Anaesthetic Considerations

Local or general anesthesia may be used depending on procedure.

Soft Tissue Expanders

Used in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck.

Nerve Preservation Techniques

Strategies employed during surgery to minimize facial nerve damage.

Pathological Classification

Salivary tumors are classified according to WHO standards.

Incisor View in Sialography

Essential for obtaining proper salivary duct imaging.

Patient Education

Helps in understanding conditions and promoting compliance.

Evidence-Based Practice

Utilizing current research to inform treatment options.

Sialadenotomy

Surgical incision into a salivary gland.

Radiation Therapy

Sometimes used in treatment following salivary malignancy.

Surgical Margins

Ensuring clear margins during excision for cancer control.

Facial Symmetry

To assess nerve function post-surgery.

Anatomical Landmarks

Essential for guiding surgical procedures and avoiding complications.

Salivary Gland Ultrasound

Helpful in evaluating structural abnormalities.

Long-term Follow-up

Necessary for detecting recurrence of salivary tumors.

Professional Guidelines

Treatment and management based on best practice recommendations.