The main difference between parotid submandibular and sublingual glands is that parotid glands contain serous acini, while submandibular and sublingual glands contain mucous and serous acini.
Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are three types of major salivary glands in the body. They contain acini in different proportions.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are the Parotid Glands
– Definition, Anatomy, Importance
2. What are the Submandibular Glands
– Definition, Anatomy, Importance
3. What are the Sublingual Glands
– Definition, Anatomy, Importance
4. Similarities Between Parotid Submandibular and Sublingual Glands
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Parotid Submandibular and Sublingual Glands
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Parotid Glands, Sublingual Glands, Submandibular Glands
What are the Parotid Glands
The parotid glands are the largest form of major salivary glands. They occur between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the masseter, extending from the mastoid tip to just below the angle of the mandible. Two parotid glands occur on either side of the mouth. They secrete the serous saliva into the mouth through the parotid duct.
Figure 1: Major Salivary Glands
Furthermore, parotid glands secrete watery saliva through the Stensen’s duct. Also, they only contain serous acini to produce saliva.
What are the Submandibular Glands
The submandibular glands are the second largest type of major salivary glands. They are about one-half of the weight of the parotid gland. They are located inferior to the mandible. Also, they occur between the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle. Further, they contain a smaller anterior lobe and a major posterior lobe.
Moreover, Wharton’s duct is the main excretory duct of the submandibular glands. Also, submandibular glands are mixed glands that secrete both mucus and saliva.
What are the Sublingual Glands
The sublingual glands are the smallest types of salivary glands. They occur beneath the mucosa of the floor of the mouth and superior to the mylohyoid muscle. Rather than a single duct, sublingual glands contain a series of small ducts. They directly project to the flow of the mouth. These ducts are called the ducts of Rivinus. Also, a common duct connects with the submandibular gland’s duct, known as Bartholin’s duct.
Figure 2: Sublingual glands
Similarities Between Parotid Submandibular and Sublingual Glands
- Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are the three major salivary glands in the human body.
- They produce saliva and mucus.
- Also, they occur in pairs.
- Their function is to keep the mouth lubricated and aid chewing and digestion.
Difference Between Parotid Submandibular and Sublingual Glands
Definition
Parotid glands refer to a pair of mainly serous salivary glands located below and in front of each ear canal. Submandibular glands refer to the salivary gland located deep under the mandible (jawbone). At the same time, sublingual glands refer to the smallest salivary glands that are located between the muscles of the floor of the oral cavity.
Size
Parotid glands are the largest salivary glands; submandibular glands are the second largest, and sublingual glands are the smallest.
Location
Parotid glands are located just in front of the ears, while submandibular glands occur in the posterior portion of the submandibular triangle. At the same time, sublingual glands are located inferolateral to the tongue, below the mucosa of the floor of the mouth, and above the mylohyoid muscle.
Acini Types
Parotid glands contain serous acini, while submandibular and sublingual glands contain mucous and serous acini.
Type of Duct
Parotid glands secrete through the Stensen’s duct, the submandibular duct secrete through the Wharton’s duct, and sublingual glands secrete through the ducts of Rivinus.
Types
Parotid glands are serous glands, while submandibular and sublingual glands are mixed glands.
Secretions
Parotid glands secrete watery saliva, while submandibular and sublingual glands secrete mucus and saliva.
Conclusion
In brief, parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are three types of major salivary glands located inside the mouth. Parotid glands are the largest salivary glands. They contain only serous acini. Therefore, they secrete watery saliva. Also, they are located in front of the ears. The second largest salivary glands are submandibular salivary glands. They are a type of mixed glands containing both mucous and serous acini. Meanwhile, they are located in the posterior portion of the submandibular triangle. In comparison, sublingual glands are the smallest type of major salivary glands. They are also mixed glands, secreting mucus and saliva. Additionally, they are located inferolateral to the tongue, below the mucosa of the floor of the mouth, and above the mylohyoid muscle. Hence, the main difference between parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands is the type of acini they have.
References:
- Ghannam MG, Singh P. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Salivary Glands. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
Image Courtesy:
- “Blausen 0780 SalivaryGlands” By BruceBlaus. – Own work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Caruncula sublingualis ” By Hellerhoff – Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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