Salivary glands

Watch video

The salivary glands are exocrine glands responsible for the production and secretion of saliva. The three largest are the parotid gland, the sublingual gland and the submandibular gland.

The salivary glands are composed of two main cell types: serous and mucous cells. Serous cells produce a watery secretion rich in enzymes such as amylase, while mucous cells produce a viscous, mucous secretion. The secretory cells are organized into secretory units (acini), small gland-like structures that empty into branched intralobular circuits as well as into extralobular ducts.

The parotid gland is purely serous with distinct striated and intercalated ducts. Many fat cells can also be found in the parenchyma, of which the presence increases with age. The sublingual gland is a mixed seromucous gland, with a predominance of mucous cells. Serous demilunes (von Ebner) help flush out the mucus produced. The striated and intercalated ducts of the sublingual gland are very short, which is why they are often not visible in histological images. The submandibular gland is mixed seromucous, but has a higher proportion of serous cells. Here too, there are serous demilunes (von Ebner) that are superimposed on the mucous tubules.

The duct system is important not only for the transport but also for the modification of saliva. It absorbs ions and water, affecting the composition of the final saliva.

Watch the following video to learn more about the histological features of the largest salivary gland, the parotid gland:

Take a quiz

Take our quizzes to consolidate what you learned about this topic and resolve any potential weak spots.

Have you challenged yourself enough? To adjust your focus and choose the topics you’ll get quizzed on, try out our customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Ready to review all these structures in further detail? Browse our image galleries below:

Parotid gland

Sublingual gland

Submandibular gland