CLINICAL ANATOMY AND EMBRYOLOGY

CLINICAL ANATOMY AND EMBRYOLOGY

The parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands are three paired glands whereas there are innumerable minor salivary glands ( Figure 54.1 ). The glandular architecture is essentially a series of ducts that open into the oral cavity and are surrounded by acini, which produce the saliva. The extracellular matrix includes the myoepithelial cells, myofibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, stromal cells and nerve fibres. The parotid is ectodermal in origin, while the submandibular and sublingual glands are endodermal. The parotid represents the largest of the salivary glands and is situated in front of the external Niels Stensen , 1638–1686, Danish anatomist, natural scientist and theologist. Thomas Wharton , 1616–1673, physician, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, described the submandibular duct in 1656. Summary box 54.1 Surgical anatomy of the salivary glands /uni25CF /uni25CF acoustic meatus between the ramus of the mandible and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Each gland is encapsulated and is - composed of fat and cells that secrete mainly serous fluids. The major duct of the parotid gland is called Stensen’s duct, which opens into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the crown of the upper second molar tooth, while the submandibular duct is - Wharton’s duct, which opens into the floor of the mouth para - median to the frenulum. The parotid gland, being primarily serous, secretes watery saliva while the rest are mixed serous and mucinous glands.

The medical and surgical treatment of various pathologies • affecting the salivary glands Three pairs of major salivary glands – parotid, submandibular and sublingual Approximately 800 minor salivary glands

CLINICAL ANATOMY AND EMBRYOLOGY

The parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands are three paired glands whereas there are innumerable minor salivary glands ( Figure 54.1 ). The glandular architecture is essentially a series of ducts that open into the oral cavity and are surrounded by acini, which produce the saliva. The extracellular matrix includes the myoepithelial cells, myofibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, stromal cells and nerve fibres. The parotid is ectodermal in origin, while the submandibular and sublingual glands are endodermal. The parotid represents the largest of the salivary glands and is situated in front of the external Niels Stensen , 1638–1686, Danish anatomist, natural scientist and theologist. Thomas Wharton , 1616–1673, physician, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK, described the submandibular duct in 1656. Summary box 54.1 Surgical anatomy of the salivary glands /uni25CF /uni25CF acoustic meatus between the ramus of the mandible and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Each gland is encapsulated and is - composed of fat and cells that secrete mainly serous fluids. The major duct of the parotid gland is called Stensen’s duct, which opens into the vestibule of the mouth opposite the crown of the upper second molar tooth, while the submandibular duct is - Wharton’s duct, which opens into the floor of the mouth para - median to the frenulum. The parotid gland, being primarily serous, secretes watery saliva while the rest are mixed serous and mucinous glands.

The medical and surgical treatment of various pathologies • affecting the salivary glands Three pairs of major salivary glands – parotid, submandibular and sublingual Approximately 800 minor salivary glands