Salivary glands

Question 1

describe the form and position of the submandibular gland

Answer 1

submandibular gland is found partly below (superficial) and partly above (deep) the mylohyoid muscle (around free posterior border of muscle).
the superficial part in the submandibular fossa of mandible, below mylohyoid line
the deep part in oral cavity

surrounded by a fascial capsule (continuous with deep investing fascia)- less dense than parotid gland fascia so less painful in swelling

Question 2

what type of secretions in submandibular gland?

Answer 2

mixed serous and mucus secretions

Question 3

describe the course of the submandibular duct

Answer 3

arises from portion of gland which lies between mylohyoid and hypoglossus muscles (deep part) and passes anteriorly, opening under the tongue (about 5cm long)
has 1-3 openings besides the base of the frenulum

Question 4

describe the form and position of the sublingual gland

Answer 4

smallest, almond shaped, lies in floor of mouth between mandible and hypoglossus, lateral to submandibular duct and lingual nerve (CN V3) - in sublingual fossa, superior to anterior part of mylohyoid line

Question 5

describe the sublingual ducts

Answer 5

sublingual ducts are numerous and drain into the oral cavity via openings into the crest of sublingual folds

Question 6

what type of secretions in sublingual gland?

Answer 6

mostly mucous secretions

Question 7

briefly describe the secretomotr innervation of submandibular and sublingual gland

Answer 7

parasympathetic innervation- saliva production

preganglionic fibres travel to submandibular ganglion (from facial nerve- chorda tympani) via lingual nerve

postganglionic fibres then travel in the lingual nerve to sublingual gland or directly to sublingual/ submandibular gland

Question 8

briefly describe the innervation of parotid gland

Answer 8

preganglionic fibres from glossopharyngeal nerve travel to tympanic nerve to otic ganglion and postganglionic fibres travel to parotid gland via auricular temporal nerve

Question 9

briefly describe the positions and innervation of minor salivary glands

Answer 9

found diffusely embedded throughout submucosa of:
- buccal
- palatine
- lingual (tongue)
- labial

innervated by CN VII and CNV

parasympathetic innervation of glands above oral fissure- preganglionic fibres travel to pterygopalatine ganglion in the greater petrosal nerve (CN VII nervus intermedius) and postganglionic fibres travel to the palate via palatine nerves

parasympathetic innervation of glands below oral fissure- preganglionic fibres travel to submandibular ganglion via chorda tympani and lingual nerve and postganglionic fibres then travel in the lingual nerve to the glands/ or directly to the glands (similar to sublingual/ submandibular glands)

Question 10

what pathology are minor glands susceptible to?

Answer 10

minor salivary glands are susceptible to mucoceles (swelling due to blockage of ducts)

Question 11

briefly describe 3 common pathologies of salivary glands.?

Answer 11

mumps- viral infection in children presenting as swelling in parotid gland, can travel to other parts of the body (meningitis)

salivary stones- common in submandibular duct due to its upward course in the oral cavity, presents as lack of salivation, pain, swelling, treated with surgical ressection

excessive salivation- common prior to vomiting, can also be associated with disease