ANATOMY OF SALIVARY GLANDS

ANATOMY OF SALIVARY GLANDS

• Salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce saliva.
• Saliva contains enzymes, mucus, and antimicrobial agents for digestion and protection.
• 3 pairs of major salivary glands and multiple minor salivary glands.

MAJOR SALIVARY GLANDS
There are three paired major salivary glands:

• Parotid Gland
o Largest salivary gland, located in front of and below the ear.
o Serous secretion (watery, enzyme-rich).
o Duct: Stensen’s duct (opens near the second upper molar).
o Nerve supply: Parasympathetic via Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
o Clinical relevance: Common site for parotitis (mumps) and tumors.

• Submandibular Gland
o Located in the submandibular triangle of the neck.
o Mixed secretion (both serous and mucous).
o Duct: Wharton’s duct (opens near the lingual frenulum).
o Nerve supply: Parasympathetic via Facial nerve (CN VII).
o Clinical relevance: Common site for salivary stones (SIALOLITHIASIS).

• Sublingual Gland
o Smallest salivary gland, located beneath the tongue.
o Mucous secretion (thick, mucus-rich).
o Ducts: Multiple small ducts (Rivinus’ ducts), main duct is Bartholin’s duct.
o Nerve supply: Parasympathetic via Facial nerve (CN VII).
o Clinical relevance: Rarely affected by stones or tumors.

MINOR SALIVARY GLANDS
• Numerous small glands located in the lips, cheeks, palate, and tongue.
• Mostly mucous secretion.
• Important for continuous saliva production.

BLOOD SUPPLY & VENOUS DRAINAGE
• Parotid: External carotid artery → Retromandibular vein.
• Submandibular & Sublingual: Facial artery → Facial vein.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
• Parotid gland → Preauricular and deep cervical lymph nodes.
• Submandibular gland → Submandibular lymph nodes.
• Sublingual gland → Submental lymph nodes.

CLINICAL CORRELATIONS
• Sialolithiasis (Salivary Stones)
o Submandibular gland is the most affected.
o Symptoms: Swelling and pain during eating.

• Mumps
o Viral infection of the parotid gland, causing painful swelling.
o Can lead to orchitis (testicular inflammation) in males.

• Salivary Gland Tumors
o Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor (parotid gland).
o Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor.

• Sjögren’s Syndrome
o Autoimmune disorder causing dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes.