parotid glands Flashcards
What are the two types of secretions produced by salivary glands?
Serous and mucous.
What does serous secretion consist of?
Proteins in an isotonic watery fluid.
What does mucous secretion consist of?
Mucin, which acts as a lubricant.
Which salivary gland is mainly composed of serous acini?
Parotid gland.
Which salivary gland is mainly composed of mucous acini?
Sublingual gland.
Which salivary gland has a mixture of mucous and serous acini?
Submandibular gland.
What type of epithelium lines the wall of the parotid duct?
The document does not specify the type of epithelium, but it mentions serous acini, intercalated duct, and striated duct.
What is the role of myoepithelial cells in salivary glands?
The document does not specify the role, but myoepithelial cells are mentioned in the context of salivary gland histology.
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system in the parotid gland?
It causes secretion.
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system in the parotid gland?
It controls the volume of secretion by causing vasoconstriction.
Where do parasympathetic neurons for the parotid gland originate?
Inferior salivatory nucleus in the medulla.
Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).
Where do parasympathetic fibers synapse before reaching the parotid gland?
Otic ganglion.
Which nerve carries post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland?
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?
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 parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland?
Parasympathetic fibers pass through the tympanic plexus in the middle ear before exiting as the lesser petrosal nerve.
Where do sympathetic pre-ganglionic axons for the parotid gland originate?
T1 level of the spinal cord.
Where do sympathetic fibers synapse before reaching the parotid gland?
Superior cervical ganglion.
How do sympathetic post-ganglionic fibers reach the parotid gland?
They form a plexus around the walls of the external carotid artery.
What is the effect of sympathetic activation on the parotid gland?
It controls the volume of secretion by causing vasoconstriction.
What is the function of the intercalated duct in salivary glands?
The document does not specify the function, but it is mentioned as part of the duct system in salivary glands.
What is the function of the striated duct in salivary glands?
The document does not specify the function, but it is mentioned as part of the duct system in salivary glands.
What is the role of adipocytes in the parotid gland?
The document does not specify the role, but adipocytes are mentioned in the histology of the parotid gland.
