L-09-Histology & Innervation of the Parotid Gland Flashcards
Flashcard Set: Histology & Innervation of the Parotid Gland
Histology of Salivary Glands
A: Serous, mucous, and mixed.
Q: What type of secretion does the parotid gland produce?
A: Serous secretion (watery, protein-rich fluid).
Q: What type of secretion does the sublingual gland produce?
A: Mostly mucous secretion (lubricant).
Q: Which gland contains both serous and mucous acini?
A: Submandibular gland.
Q: What type of epithelium lines the parotid duct?
A: Stratified columnar epithelium.
Innervation of the Parotid Gland
Q: Which part of the nervous system controls the parotid gland?
A: The autonomic nervous system.
Q: What is the effect of parasympathetic innervation on the parotid gland?
A: It stimulates secretion.
Q: What is the effect of sympathetic innervation on the parotid gland?
A: It controls secretion volume by causing vasoconstriction.
Parasympathetic Innervation of the Parotid Gland
Q: What is the parasympathetic pathway to the parotid gland?
A:
Begins in the inferior salivatory nucleus (medulla).
Travels via the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
Passes through the tympanic plexus in the middle ear.
Exits as the lesser petrosal nerve via the foramen ovale.
Synapses in the otic ganglion.
Post-ganglionic fibers travel via the auriculotemporal nerve (V3) to the parotid gland
Q: Which nerve carries post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland?
A: Auriculotemporal nerve (branch of mandibular nerve, V3).
Sympathetic Innervation of the Parotid Gland
Q: What is the sympathetic pathway to the parotid gland?
A:
Pre-ganglionic axons leave T1 spinal cord and enter the sympathetic trunk.
Ascend to superior cervical ganglion and synapse.
Post-ganglionic fibers form a plexus around the external carotid artery to reach the gland.
Q: What is the function of sympathetic innervation in the parotid gland?
A: It regulates blood flow and controls secretion volume through vasoconstriction.
