histology of parotid galnd Flashcards
What are the two types of secretions produced by salivary glands?
Serous (secretes proteins in an isotonic watery fluid) and mucous (secretes mucin which acts as a lubricant).
Which salivary gland is mainly composed of serous acini?
The parotid gland.
Which salivary gland is mainly composed of mucous acini?
The sublingual gland.
Which salivary gland has a mixture of mucous and serous acini?
The submandibular gland.
What type of epithelium lines the wall of the parotid duct?
The document does not explicitly state the type of epithelium, but it is typically lined by stratified cuboidal or columnar epithelium.
What is the function of myoepithelial cells in salivary glands?
Myoepithelial cells help in the contraction of the acini, aiding in the expulsion of secretions.
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in the parotid gland?
The parasympathetic nervous system causes secretion in the parotid gland.
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the parotid gland?
The sympathetic nervous system controls the volume of secretion by causing vasoconstriction, which regulates blood supply to the gland.
Where do the parasympathetic pre-ganglionic fibers for the parotid gland originate?
They originate from the inferior salivatory nucleus in the medulla.
Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland?
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
Where do the parasympathetic fibers synapse before reaching the parotid gland?
They synapse in the otic ganglion.
Which nerve carries post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland?
The auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, CN V3).
What is the pathway of the lesser petrosal nerve?
It exits the skull through the foramen ovale and carries parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion.
Where is the otic ganglion located?
It is located close to the main trunk of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, just below the foramen ovale.
What is the role of the tympanic plexus in the innervation of the parotid gland?
The tympanic plexus is where parasympathetic fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve pass through before forming the lesser petrosal nerve.
Where do sympathetic pre-ganglionic fibers for the parotid gland originate?
They originate from the spinal cord at the T1 level.
Where do sympathetic fibers synapse before reaching the parotid gland?
They synapse in the superior cervical ganglion.
How do post-ganglionic sympathetic fibers reach the parotid gland?
They travel as a plexus around the walls of the external carotid artery to reach the gland.
What is the function of the intercalated duct in salivary glands?
The intercalated duct is involved in the initial modification of saliva, such as reabsorption and secretion of ions.
What is the function of the striated duct in salivary glands?
The striated duct is involved in the modification of saliva, particularly in the reabsorption of sodium and the secretion of potassium.
What is the histological structure of the parotid gland?
The parotid gland is mainly composed of serous acini, with ducts and myoepithelial cells.
What is the significance of the serous demilune in mixed salivary glands?
Serous demilunes are serous cells that cap the mucous acini in mixed glands, contributing to the secretion of proteins.
What is the role of the external carotid artery in the sympathetic innervation of the parotid gland?
Post-ganglionic sympathetic fibers form a plexus around the external carotid artery to reach the parotid gland.
What is the pathway of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) in relation to the parotid gland?
The glossopharyngeal nerve carries pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers that eventually synapse in the otic ganglion, with post-ganglionic fibers reaching the parotid gland via the auriculotemporal nerve.
