MH 095 Submandibular Gland

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Submandibular Gland

The submandibular gland is one of the major salivary glands. It is mostly serous (95%) and minor mucous (5%).

Stroma - the connective tissue component of the gland.
- - connective tissue that encapsulates the gland.
- - connective tissue divides the gland into lobules.
Parenchyma - the functional component of the gland that consists of secretory cells and ducts
- - arranged in a tube or acinus. These polarized cells have rough endoplasmic reticulum at their base (basophilic) and secretion granules (eosinophilic) at their apex
- - polarized cells with flattened nuclei at the bottom of the cells. They are very lightly stained with a "foamy" appearance (mucous has been extracted).
  - - serous cells may appear as a cap on mucous cells.
- Intralobular Ducts - two types are found within lobules:
  - Intercalated Ducts (,,) - the smallest ducts that insert into and drain individual acini. They are more lightly stained than acini cells and are low cuboidal.
  - - arise from intercalated ducts. They are columnar with basal striations and are surrounded by capillaries.
- (or extralobular ducts) - found outside of lobules.