Salivary Gland Anatomy & Histology
- Parotid — largest; purely serous; drains via Stensen's duct (opposite the maxillary second molar); facial nerve passes through it.
- Submandibular — mixed, serous-predominant; Wharton's duct (floor of mouth).
- Sublingual — smallest major gland; mixed, mucous-predominant; drains via ducts of Rivinus and Bartholin's duct.
Histology
Serous acini (watery, enzyme-rich) vs mucous acini (viscous). Myoepithelial cells surround acini/ducts to aid secretion. Duct system: intercalated → striated → excretory.
Exam Tips ⭐
Parotid = serous (Stensen's); submandibular = mixed serous-predominant (Wharton's); sublingual = mucous-predominant.