Salivary gland

There are three pairs of major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. Parotid glands are largest, weighing around 15 grams, and sublingual glands are smallest, weighing around 2-4 grams. In addition, there are hundreds of minor salivary glands. Salivary glands are found at different locations connected to the mouth.

The salivary glands produce saliva that is secreted into the oral cavity. Saliva is rich in enzymes that initiate the breakdown of food and it also has antimicrobial properties.

The salivary gland consists of lobes, larger sections, which in turn are divided into several lobules, smaller sections, by interlobular septa. Interlobular septa are thin walls of connective tissue in between the lobules.

The lobules secrete saliva and are therefore called secretory lobules. They consist of serous acini, mucinous acini, and intralobular ducts (i.e. ducts within the lobules). Supporting capillaries and adipocytes are intermixed with the acini and intralobular ducts.

Imbedded in the connective tissue of the interlobular septa, there are excretory ducts (i.e. ducts that transport saliva out from the salivary glands), large arteries, large veins and peripheral nerves.

Normal salivary gland

Section of a normal salivary gland, stained with hematoxylin and eosin for contrast.

Zoom inZoom inZoom inZoom in
Zoom outZoom outZoom outZoom out
Toggle full pageToggle full pageToggle full pageToggle full page

Salivary gland

On microscopic examination, the salivary gland is mainly composed of secretory lobules.

They are interspersed with blood vessels of different sizes, adipocytes and connective tissue. In between the secretory lobules, several interlobular septa are visible.