The Parotid Gland: Structure, Size, And Secretory Histology

The Parotid Gland: Structure, Size, And Secretory Histology

Describe parotid gland under following heading. Morphology, Histology.
Answer:

Parotid Gland Morphology:

1. Size

• It is largest of all salivary gland

2. Shape

• It is three sided pyramid with apex directed downwards
• It has four surfaces & three borders to separate them

3. Weight

• It weighs 15 grams

Parotid Gland Histology:

• In the parotid gland the spherical secretory end peices are all serous
• The pyramidal shaped acinar cells have a spherical, basally situated nucleus
• It surrounds a small, central lumen
• It may contain fat cell spaces

Parotid Gland Ducts:

1. Intercalated ducts

• They are numerous & long
• They are lined with cuboidal epithelium
• Nuclei of myoepithelial cells may appear

2. Striated ducts

• They are numerous
• They are round or elongated tubules
• It consists of simple columnar epithelium
• Nuclei are round & centrally placed
• Lumina are relatively larger in size