The function of the sublingual gland. All about the salivary glands: anatomy, functions and diseases

Inflammation of the salivary gland in medicine is called sialoadenitis and is a disease of the salivary glands of an inflammatory nature with an acute or chronic course. Most often, the parotid salivary glands are affected by the inflammatory process.

Sialoadenitis is equally common in both adults and children. Also, the incidence of this disease is at the same level in men and women.

In acute inflammation of the salivary glands, the cause is almost always the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the gland. Depending on the type of pathogen, the following forms of acute sialadenitis are distinguished:

viral etiology, which is most often caused by the mumps virus, since this virus is tropic to the glandular epithelium. The main route of transmission of the disease is airborne. The entrance gates in this case are the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. The reproduction of the virus occurs in the glandular epithelium of the parotid salivary gland. In boys, there is also glandular tissue in the testicles, to which the mumps virus is tropic, so they can also be affected, which in some cases leads to infertility;
bacterial etiology. This form of sialadenitis develops both with exogenous and endogenous penetration of bacteria into the salivary glands.

Basically, the causative agents of acute sialadenitis are representatives of the normal microflora of the oral cavity. The following factors contribute to the development of the inflammatory process:

non-compliance with oral hygiene;
reactive narrowing of the ducts of the salivary glands. This condition occurs against the background of general exhaustion of the body due to extensive surgical interventions on the abdominal organs, cancer intoxication, chronic diseases of the digestive tract, stress, diet errors or diabetes mellitus. The narrowing of the duct of the salivary gland leads to stagnation of saliva, which creates fertile ground for the life and reproduction of pathogenic microbes;
obstruction of the duct of the salivary gland. Obstruction of the duct is most often carried out by a calculus or a foreign body. In this case, the outflow of saliva from the gland is also disturbed, and optimal conditions are created for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.

In addition, acute sialoadenitis can be triggered by the penetration of infection into the salivary gland by the hematogenous route in severe infectious diseases (typhoid fever, scarlet fever). Also, some patients were diagnosed with lymphogenous spread of infection from purulent foci, which were localized in the face or neck (boils, purulent wounds, chronic tonsillitis, inflammation of the gums, and others).

Chronic inflammation of the salivary glands is almost always a primary process, that is, it does not occur against the background of acute sialadenitis. This feature is explained by the fact that the salivary glands in a patient with chronic sialoadenitis are initially predisposed to this disease.

Contribute to the development of chronic inflammation of the salivary glands such factors as:

hereditary tendency;
autoimmune diseases;
diseases of internal organs;
psycho-emotional shock;
local or general hypothermia;
trauma;
depletion of the body;
elderly age;
vascular atherosclerosis.

Inflammation of the salivary glands: photos and symptoms

With inflammation of the salivary gland, the symptoms directly depend on which gland is inflamed. Therefore, we propose to consider the signs of inflammation of the salivary glands of different localization.

Inflammation of the parotid salivary gland

In the people, inflammation of the parotid salivary glands caused by the mumps virus is called mumps, since the parotid tissues on the side of the lesion swell, resembling the neck and side of a pig. Mostly mumps occurs in children.

Since mumps is an infectious disease, after infection with the virus there is an incubation period that lasts from 11 to 23 days. Patients in this period do not have any signs of the disease, but, nevertheless, they can already infect others.

At the end of the incubation period in patients with mumps, the following symptoms are observed:

increase in body temperature;
aches in the joints;
muscle pain;
headache;
general weakness;
loss of appetite;
pain in the parotid region and ear;
dry mouth;
swelling of tissues in the parotid region.

Also, the mumps virus can lead to inflammation of the salivary glands under the tongue and under the jaw.

In adults, inflammatory phenomena in epidparotitis are local in nature. In a child, in addition to the parotid gland, the soft tissues under the chin also become inflamed, which makes swallowing and chewing painful.

If a child has a painful swelling in the ear area, which is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication, then in no case self-medicate, but immediately consult a pediatrician. Only a specialist can prescribe an effective, and most importantly, safe treatment for the child's body.

On palpation, the swelling of the gland is soft and has no clear boundaries.

In rare cases, non-epidemic mumps occurs, which occurs as a result of obstruction of the salivary gland duct by a calculus, a foreign body, or as a result of injury. The causative agent of the disease is mainly pathogenic bacteria that cause purulent inflammation.

Symptoms of non-epidemic parotitis are the same as with a viral infection of the salivary gland. The difference lies in the fact that pus is formed inside the gland, which is released from the duct into the oral cavity.

Inflammation of the sublingual salivary gland

The sublingual salivary gland is located under the tongue and has two ducts that open near the root in the sublingual region.

Most often, the sublingual salivary gland becomes inflamed in patients with tonsillitis, tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections, caries or sinusitis.

With inflammation of the salivary gland under the tongue, patients complain of the following symptoms:

dry mouth or hypersalivation (excess saliva);
pain when chewing;
pain when opening the mouth;
unpleasant taste in the mouth;
taste change;
increase in body temperature.

The sublingual salivary gland produces saliva with a high content of lysozyme, the main function of which is the neutralization of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, with inflammation of this gland, the bactericidal properties of saliva are violated, as a result of which patients often develop stomatitis.

Inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland

The submandibular gland has a rounded shape and is located in the submandibular triangle.

In patients with an inflamed submandibular salivary gland, the following symptoms are most often observed:

dry mouth due to decreased salivation;
unpleasant taste in the mouth;
taste change;
bad breath;
pain under the jaw, which increases in the process of chewing food or when opening the mouth;
redness of the mucous membrane under the tongue;
stomatitis;
increase in body temperature;
general weakness;
decrease in working capacity;
loss of appetite.

Diagnosis of sialadenitis

If we talk about what diagnostic methods are used for inflammation of the salivary glands, then the most common and informative are sialography and ultrasound.

In the acute course of the disease, an experienced specialist will have enough complaints from the patient and objective data that can be obtained during examination and palpation of the gland. To clarify the prevalence of the process or differential diagnosis, ultrasound, computed or magnetic resonance imaging can be used.

With sialoadenitis with a chronic course, sialography is performed, the essence of which is the introduction of contrast into the duct of the gland and the performance of an x-ray. In this study, signs of inflammation of the salivary gland may be narrowing of the ducts, the presence of stones or cysts.

How to treat inflammation of the salivary gland?

With inflammation of the salivary glands, treatment directly depends on the course, the cause of the disease and the presence of complications.

In the acute course of sialoadenitis, patients are most often referred for inpatient treatment in a hospital. It should also be noted that uncomplicated inflammation of the salivary glands is treated using conservative methods, but with the development of purulent complications, surgery will be required.

In acute nonspecific sialadenitis in the treatment, specialists are guided by the following principles:

diet. Therapeutic nutrition consists in the fact that patients are advised to consume foods that increase salivation. These products include sauerkraut, crackers, cranberries, lemon;
the appointment of a 1% solution of hydrochloric acid pilocarpine, which is taken orally 4-5 drops. This drug helps to reduce the smooth muscles of the duct of the salivary glands, which also increases salivation;
antibiotic therapy. The use of antibiotics for inflammation of the salivary glands is indicated if the disease is bacterial in nature. The drug of choice in this case may be Penicillin or Gentamicin, which is injected directly into the duct of the salivary gland, and in severe cases, it is taken orally or parenterally. Antiseptics are also used, such as Dioxidin and potassium furaginate, which wash the ducts of the glands;
physiotherapy. In the treatment of sialoadenitis, UHF and electrophoresis can be used;
novocaine-penicillin blockade. This procedure effectively eliminates swelling and inflammation in the area of the gland and surrounding tissues;
local therapy. Locally, compresses with a 30% solution of dimexide are used, which are applied to the parotid region once a day for 20-30 minutes. This procedure is used only when the parotid salivary gland is inflamed.

With suppuration of the salivary gland, an abscess is opened and drained. Patients with a gangrenous form of sialoadenitis are shown to have a complete removal of the gland.

In acute epidparotitis, all patients must be prescribed etiotropic therapy using antiviral drugs (Viferon, Laferon, Interferon and others). Antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Nimesulide and others) are used as symptomatic therapy.

Exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the salivary glands is also treated according to the principles described above.

During the period of remission, patients with chronic sialadenitis may be prescribed the following procedures:

massage of the ducts of the salivary gland;
the introduction of antibiotics into the duct of the gland;
novocaine blockade in the region of the gland;
electrophoresis with galantamine;
galvanization;
injections into the gland area of Iodolipol 3-4 times a year;
diet.

It is also important to follow the rules of oral hygiene (brush your teeth twice a day, rinse your mouth after meals, use dental floss, etc.).

With frequent relapses, an operation is indicated, during which the affected salivary gland is removed, since it is almost impossible to cure chronic sialadenitis conservatively.

Folk methods of treatment

Alternative methods are not effective enough to completely cope with the inflammation of the salivary glands, therefore, they can only be used as a supplement to traditional therapy. Before using any of the methods described below, you should consult with your doctor.

Treatment at home can be carried out using compresses, ointments, infusions, tinctures and decoctions prepared on the basis of natural ingredients. To your attention the most effective and safe folk remedies for the treatment of sialadenitis.

Compress with tincture of celandine and yarrow. One glass of crushed celandine roots and 5 tablespoons of flowers must be passed through a meat grinder, then poured with three glasses of high-quality vodka and let it brew for 7 days in a dark, cool place. A piece of gauze folded in 5-6 layers is soaked in tincture, placed on the parotid area, covered with wax paper and left for 15-20 minutes. The procedure is carried out once a day.
Ointment based on birch tar. One tablespoon of petroleum jelly is thoroughly mixed with ten tablespoons of tar until a homogeneous consistency is formed. The finished ointment is applied to the skin over the affected gland twice a day.
Propolis and. In case of inflammation of the sublingual salivary gland, a piece of mummy the size of a pea is placed under the tongue three times a day. The course of treatment is 6 weeks, after which three times a day for one month you need to chew and swallow ½ teaspoon of propolis.
Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda. In 200 ml of warm boiled water, you need to dilute one tablespoon of baking soda. Rinse the mouth with the resulting solution 2-3 times a day.
Echinacea tincture. This medicine can be purchased at a pharmacy. Take tincture three times a day, 30 drops for one month. Also, this natural medicine can be used for compresses.

We have analyzed what constitutes inflammation of the salivary glands, symptoms and treatment in humans, but pets can also get sick with this disease. Therefore, we propose to briefly consider how sialadenitis proceeds in dogs and cats.

Inflammation of the salivary gland in dogs and cats: causes, symptoms and treatment

The salivary glands in dogs and cats can become inflamed for several reasons, namely:

mechanical injury;
penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the gland;
poisoning with various poisons.

The disease can also be acute or chronic.

You can suspect sialadenitis in a pet by the following symptoms:

dense swelling in the region of the posterior edge of the lower jaw;
local hyperthermia in the affected area of the salivary gland;
when probing the affected gland, the animal feels pain, so be careful, otherwise the pet will bite you;
the secretion of saliva is sharply reduced or completely absent;
the animal cannot move its head in full, as this is prevented by swelling and soreness of the tissues;
the animal has a reduced appetite, or it completely refuses to eat;
fever;
the ear from the side of inflammation is displaced down;
palpable cervical lymph nodes;
after opening the abscess, there is a release of pus with an unpleasant odor from the fistulas;
with inflammation of the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands in an animal, the tongue increases and thickens, which disrupts swallowing, chewing, and there is also hypersalivation.

In the treatment of sialadenitis in dogs and cats, alcohol compresses, blockades with novocaine, antibiotic therapy, UHF, electrophoresis, ointments are used. With the formation of abscesses, opening, drainage and washing with antiseptics are shown.

An untimely appeal to a veterinarian with inflammation of the salivary glands in cats and dogs threatens to form scars, which make it difficult to move the head, as well as hearing loss.

Salivary glands (galandulae oris)

Pathology. Malformations Page. are extremely rare. They include dystopia, hypertrophy, or absence of the gland. In the absence of all large Pages. xerostomia develops, requiring replacement therapy (lubrication of the oral mucosa several times a day with vegetable oil, a solution of lysozyme).

Damages of Page. may be accompanied by tissue rupture of the small and main excretory ducts of the gland. There are symptoms of retention of saliva (swelling of S. while eating, stabbing pains), which disappear after a few minutes, sometimes hours after the end of the meal. Injuries can be complicated by the development of salivary fistulas (salivary fistulas), as well as stenosis or atresia of the excretory duct, leading to sialostasis. In the acute period of Page. can be established by the release of saliva from. A sign may be the formation of a salivary "tumor" as a result of the accumulation of saliva under the skin. operational - suturing the wound, forming the mouth of the duct with its atresia, salivary fistula.

Among the diseases, inflammatory ones are the most common (see Parotitis, Parotitis epidemic, Sialadenitis). Chronic can proceed with the formation of calculi in the ducts of C. g. Stones usually form in the main excretory ducts or in the ducts of the I and II order, most often in the submandibular gland (see Sialolithiasis). For a specific inflammation of Page. the limitation of the lesion with the formation of granulomas in the gland and abscess formation is characteristic. Treatment of Actinomycosis a, tuberculosis (Tuberculosis) and Syphilis a is carried out according to the principles adopted for these diseases.

In various pathological processes of a general nature (diffuse diseases of the connective tissue, lesions of the digestive, endocrine, nervous system, etc.), changes in the salivary glands can develop reactive-dystrophic changes (sialosis), which are manifested by an increase in glands or a violation of their function. S.'s increase. usually associated with reactive proliferation of interstitial connective tissue, leading to interstitial sialadenitis. Such changes are observed, for example, in Mikulich's syndrome. Dysfunction of the glands in the form of xerostomia is noted in botulism, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, scleroderma, etc., and is a constant symptom of Sjogren's syndrome (see Sjogren (Sjogren's disease)). Reactive processes in S., observed during pregnancy and lactation, are manifested by swelling of the glands and are reversible.

Tumors Salivary glands according to the International Histological Classification are divided into epithelial and non-epithelial. Epithelial tumors include adenomas, mucoepidermoid and acinar cell tumors, and carcinomas. Adenomas, in turn, are divided into polymorphic and monomorphic, the latter - into adenolymphomas, oxyphilic adenomas, and other types of adenomas. Carcinomas include adenocystic (cylindromas), adenocarcinomas, epidermoid carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, and carcinomas in polymorphic adenoma.

Non-epithelial tumors include hemangiomas, hemangiopericytomas, lymphangiomas, neurilemmomas, neurofibromas, lipomas, as well as angiogenic sarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, spindle cell sarcomas (without specification of histogenesis).

There are also unclassified tumors and so-called related conditions - diseases of a non-tumor nature, clinically similar to a tumor (benign lymphoepithelial lesions, oncocytosis, etc.).

The most convenient for a practitioner is a classification based on the nature of tumor growth. According to this classification of a tumor of Page. divided into benign, locally destructive and malignant.

Among benign tumors, polymorphic (mixed) is most common. In most cases, it is localized in the parotid, less often in the submandibular and sublingual gland. Quite often the area of a soft and firm palate is surprised, tumors of small S. are observed. in the buccal region, very rarely in the region of the upper jaw, etc. characterized by slow (for many years) growth, can reach large sizes, painless. Recurrence is possible while the tumor does not metastasize. observed in 3.6-30% of cases.

Monomorphic adenomas occur in 6.8% of all S.'s tumors. and develop from the epithelium of the terminal sections and excretory ducts of the glands. Due to the fact that monomorphic adenomas clinically proceed in the same way as polymorphic ones, in most cases they are established only after a histopathological study of a remote neoplasm. Recurrence is possible, as a rule, only after a non-radical operation.

Non-epithelial benign tumors of Page. are rare, they do not differ in microscopic structure from non-epithelial tumors of other localization. Angiomas (hemangiomas, lymphangiomas) are more often observed, which develop mainly in childhood. The tumor is indistinctly demarcated from the surrounding tissues, in rare cases surrounded by a capsule. It has an elastic, soft or doughy texture, lobed structure. A characteristic feature is the reduction of the tumor when pressed on it. Neurogenic tumors (neurinomas, neurofibromas) can develop at any age. They are characterized by slow growth, can be single or multiple, usually localized in the parotid gland. - a rare tumor, more often occurs in the parotid gland, has a well-defined fibrous capsule separating it from the gland tissue, an irregular round-oval shape, a soft elastic consistency (more dense) and a color characteristic of adipose tissue.

The diagnosis is established on the basis of the clinical picture and morphological examination data. On sialograms, a benign tumor is a rounded area with even clear contours, surrounded by contrasted ducts.

Treatment of benign tumors Page. operational. large S. removed only in a hospital. Tumors of small Page. size no more than 15-20 mm can be operated on an outpatient basis. The operation is performed under local anesthesia (infiltration or conduction), it is advisable not to excise the tumor, but to excise within healthy tissues. When the tumor is localized in the region of the hard palate, it is excised along with the mucous membrane covering it.

An acinar cell tumor, which occupies an intermediate position between benign and malignant tumors, is locally destructive, which is characterized by a tendency to recur after surgical removal, which requires careful dynamic monitoring.

Malignant tumors include mucoepidermoid tumors, various types of carcinomas, and sarcomas. Mucoepidermoid tumor develops from the excretory ducts of the salivary glands. It is usually localized in the parotid gland, rarely in the submandibular and sublingual glands, relatively often it occurs in the region of the minor salivary glands on the hard and soft palate, in the retromolar region, in the tongue and thicker cheeks. depends on the degree of differentiation. However, even with infiltrative growth and metastasis to regional lymph nodes, a relatively benign long-term course is possible.

The characteristic secret that is secreted by the salivary glands into the oral cavity is called saliva. A person has several such glands. Specifically, where the salivary glands are located in humans - photos and information - later in the article.

Paired large ones are located near the ears, under the jaws and under the tongue, and small ones are located in the submucosal layer of the cheeks, lips, tongue and palate. According to the produced secret, they are divided into mixed, protein and mucous.

Major salivary glands: where are they located, photo, description

The salivary glands are divided into small and large paired. The latter, in turn, are divided into:

Submandibular. Located in the submandibular triangle. The shape is round, the size is like that of a walnut, the weight is about 15 g. Saliva is secreted through the excretory duct, rather thick, located at the bottom of the oral cavity. The secret of the gland contains serous fluid and mucus, the volume of which is more than half of all saliva produced.
Parotid. Where the salivary gland is located in humans can be seen in the photo presented later in the article. They are located under the skin in the parotid and chewing area of the face, have a pinkish-gray color and irregular shape. In size, these are the largest salivary glands with a mass of about 30 g. They are located near the facial nerve, therefore, in case of damage, facial expressions may be disturbed. The glands produce saliva, which is involved in the digestion of food and makes up one fifth of the volume of all saliva secreted.

Sublingual. Where are the salivary glands of this type located in humans? Their location is under the mucous membrane of the bottom of the mouth on both sides of the tongue. The glands have an oval flattened shape. They are the smallest of the large pairs. The weight of one is only 5 g. The type of secretion is mucous. Mucus leaves through the large and several small ducts and makes up a twentieth of all saliva produced.

Small salivary glands: where are they located, photo

In the oral cavity of the submucosal layer there are about a thousand of the smallest salivary glands with a diameter of up to 2 mm, located in the tissues of the tongue, lips, cheeks, palate, under the tongue and between its muscles. From the small glands, ducts depart, through which saliva flows and irrigates the entire mucous membrane of the oral cavity.

There is also a common excretory duct.

Glands are named according to their location:

labial;
palatine;
buccal;
molar.

And also according to the allocated secret:

mixed;
mucous membranes;
serous.

Where are the salivary glands in the mouth that produce serous secretions? They settled in a number of pagans. They synthesize saliva rich in proteins. The mucous glands include the palatine and some lingual. The secret they produce contains mucus. Buccal, part of the lingual, labial, molar secrete saliva of a mixed composition.

Functions of the salivary glands

Where are the salivary glands in humans, described above. Their main functions are:

Filtration. Blood plasma is filtered from capillaries in the mouth into saliva. This process produces an insulin-like protein and parotin for the growth of the epidermis and nerve cells. With the help of this function, the hormone renin and kallikrein enter the body.
Excretory. Metabolic products are removed. With saliva and the entire oral mucosa, some substances are removed, including heavy metals. In case of violation of the kidneys, which are the main organ of excretion, the salivary glands are connected. Urea under the action of saliva turns into ammonia and the patient develops an unpleasant odor from the mouth. And during a violation of the liver, bile enters the saliva.
Endocrine. The secretion of substances similar to hormones is produced. Under the influence of salivary enzymes in the mouth, a chemical effect on food begins. Substances in saliva, like hormones, dissolve it, and the necessary components are absorbed into the mucous membrane. In addition, the level of calcium and phosphorus is stabilized, which is necessary for the restoration of tooth enamel and bone tissue.
exocrine. The mucous and protein components of saliva are produced. Thanks to the production of mucus, the oral surface is protected from drying out, the wet state contributes to the rapid healing of wounds and cracks. The main component of saliva is mucin, which is of protein origin. It moisturizes and coats food for delivery to the esophagus. Fibrin together with mucin neutralizes excess acids and alkalis, prevents blood clotting.

Saliva and oral fluid

Where are the salivary glands located, described above. They secrete a secret called saliva into the mouth. The oral fluid or mixed saliva consists of secretion, microflora and its metabolic products (food particles, epithelium, leukocytes). The oral fluid is viscous in composition. For a day, an adult individual secretes from one and a half to two liters of saliva. The rate of salivation depends on:

age;
state of the nervous system;
food irritant;
state of rest or activity.

As part of the secret, water is more than 98%, and the rest is mineral organic compounds. The oral fluid contains fluoride, numerous organic components, and more than 60 different enzymes. It is the main source of calcium and phosphorus for tooth enamel.

Functions of saliva

The main function of the salivary gland (where it is located was described above) is the synthesis of a secret that mixes with microorganisms, their decay products, food debris and forms a mixed saliva that takes part in important processes for the individual's body. The main functions of saliva:

Protective. Moisturizes the mucous membrane, protecting it from drying, mechanical stress, cracks. Washing the mucous membrane, removes microbes, food debris. Due to the content of enzymes, it has a bactericidal effect. Neutralizes acids and alkalis, improves mucosal recovery.
Anticarious. Cleans the interdental spaces and the surface of the teeth. Reduces the concentration of glucose in solid foods containing carbohydrates. Creates a film on the enamel of the teeth that prevents the effects of acids.
Digestive. Helps to chew and swallow food. Participates in its primary processing.
Mineralizing. Minerals (calcium and phosphorus) contained in saliva enter the tooth enamel, thereby protecting teeth from caries. On the other hand, saliva prevents the removal of valuable components from the enamel.

Useful products for the salivary glands

For the high-quality work of the salivary glands (where they are, described above), it is advisable to eat the following foods:

Walnuts - contain a lot of polyunsaturated acids, which help improve the functioning of the glands, and juglone kills and slows down the growth of pathogenic bacteria in saliva.
Chicken eggs. They contain lutein, which has a beneficial effect on the normalization of the functions of the salivary glands.
Dark chocolate - promotes increased salivation and dilates blood vessels.
Carrots - nourishes the glands, improves their cleansing activity, supplies vitamin A.
Sea cabbage. The iodine contained in it contributes to the prevention of inflammatory processes in the glands.
Chicken meat - nourishes the glands with proteins, B vitamins and selenium.
Sea fish. The acids contained in it normalize the activity of the glands.
Apples are fresh. Potassium and pectins in their composition clean the salivary glands.
Chicory - helps to improve metabolic processes in the glands and increases blood circulation.
Rosehip red. Vitamin C, which is found in large quantities in berries, improves the functioning of the glands.

harmful products

Table salt - contributes to the retention of moisture in the body, which leads to destructive changes in cells in the glands.
Products with a long shelf life (carbonated drinks, smoked meats, sausages). The high content of chemicals in them can disrupt the salivation process.
Alcohol-containing drinks - give rise to a spasm of the ducts, stagnation of saliva appears in the glands.

Inflammation of the glands

Signs of inflammation of the salivary gland (where it is located, described in detail above) are:

enlarged gland;
heat;
hearing problems;
pain at the root of the tongue;
redness of the skin around the gland;
pain when touched;
purulent discharge;
pain when swallowing;
headache, responding in the temple, occiput or neck;
decrease in salivation.

In inflammatory processes, violations occur with the release of enzymes.

Treatment of inflammation

Salivary gland therapy (where located, described above) includes:

Cleaning the mouth with a cotton swab moistened with a solution of baking soda or potassium permanganate.
Intramuscular administration of antibacterial agents.
The use of direct electric current for medicinal purposes.
Surgery if conservative treatment fails.

chronic inflammation

With this process, connective tissue and excretory ducts are affected, exacerbations are replaced by remissions. At the beginning of the disease, general weakness and malaise appear. The temperature can rise up to 39 degrees. Swelling and pain occur at the location of the gland. Where are the salivary glands in the mouth, photos are presented in this article.

In the area of inflammation, redness of the skin can be observed. Sometimes there are problems with opening the mouth. There is a drying of the mucosa and discomfort. In some cases, the disease is severe and then hospitalization of the patient is required. With an exacerbation, it is necessary to take antibacterial drugs and medications to increase salivation. In the chronic stage of the pathology, a change in the structure of the gland occurs. It becomes dense and bumpy, and salivation gradually decreases.

Causes of inflammation

Inflammation of the salivary glands (where they are described above) may occur due to:

intoxication of the body;
blockage of the outlet channel with a foreign body or stone;
infection in the body.

Exhaustion of the body, infection of a viral nature, intoxication of various origins or dehydration are the causes of the acute stage of inflammation. The salivary glands become inflamed due to causative agents of syphilis, tuberculosis, mumps virus. Microorganisms through the lymph or excretory ducts enter the gland, causing disease. In acute inflammation, the secretory function of the salivary gland is sharply reduced. The chronic phase of this process is often a complication of the acute form of the disease, but sometimes it also occurs as an independent disease.

With constant dryness in the mouth, a feeling of pain and swelling in the neck, problems with swallowing food, it can be assumed that a salivary stone has appeared. Where is the salivary gland in humans, a photo can be found in the article. Saliva contains a large amount of calcium, sometimes it accumulates in the ducts, forming pale crystalline rocks.

The reasons for this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. Scientists suggest that they lie in the lack of water in the body, poor diet or medications. Most often, stones are formed in elderly men and can acquire impressive sizes (more than 7 cm). The extraction procedure is painful, often followed by inflammation and infection. Stones of small size are removed by sucking special sweets, sour in taste. The acid causes profuse salivation, which helps dissolve the stone. For large sizes, drugs that dissolve the rock, or surgery, are used.

The full-fledged work of the salivary glands is directly dependent on the health of the body as a whole. Problems associated with disruption of the pancreas, kidneys, liver, significantly increase the load on the salivary glands. Abundant salivation may indicate the appearance of worms in the gastrointestinal tract. Its cleansing and adherence to the diet helps to restore the functions of the glands that have been impaired. Scrupulous chewing of food also contributes to maintaining the tone of the glands and their functioning.

- glands that secrete a specific secret into the oral cavity - saliva.

In humans, in addition to numerous small salivary glands in the mucous membrane of the tongue, palate, cheeks and lips, there are 3 pairs of large salivary glands.

TYPES OF SALIVARY GLANDS

There are the following paired large salivary glands:

parotid;
submandibular;
sublingual.

Minor salivary glands are divided into:

buccal;
molar;
labial;
lingual;
glands of the hard and soft palate.

According to the nature of the secretion secreted, the salivary glands are divided into:

mucous membranes;
serous (protein);
mixed.

Serous glands are present mainly among the lingual glands, saliva secreted by them is rich in protein. Mucous glands - palatine and part of the lingual, saliva produced by them is rich in mucus. Mixed - buccal, molar, labial and part of the lingual secrete saliva mixed in composition.

Large the parotid salivary glands are protein glands, and the large submandibular and sublingual glands are mixed (protein-mucous) glands. The secretory function of the large salivary glands is of great importance for digestion.

The main mass of the parotid major salivary gland is located in the retromaxillary fossa, the anterior part of the gland lies on the masticatory muscle. From the lateral surface, the parotid salivary gland is covered with a dense fascia, from which jumpers extend, dividing the gland into lobules.

In the thickness of the parotid salivary gland, the facial nerve with its main branches, the external carotid artery, and large veins pass. The mouth of the excretory duct of the gland is located on the buccal mucosa at the level of the first and second molars of the upper jaw.

Small. Small salivary glands are located in the thickness of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or in the submucosal layer of the lips, cheeks, palate, tongue (the most numerous among the small salivary glands are the labial and palatine). The sizes of small glands are varied, their diameter is from 1 to 5 mm.

BLOOD SUPPLY

The blood supply to the parotid salivary glands is carried out by branches of the external carotid arteries; blood flows into the external and internal jugular veins.

The submandibular salivary gland is located in the submandibular triangle. Its excretory duct opens in the anterior sublingual region on the sublingual papilla. Blood supply is carried out by branches of the facial artery.

The sublingual salivary gland is located in the sublingual space on the jaw-hyoid muscle next to the excretory duct of the submandibular salivary gland. The main excretory duct opens at the sublingual papilla, the minor excretory ducts at the sublingual fold. Blood supply is carried out by branches of the lingual artery.

EMBRYO SOURCES OF DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR DERIVATIVES

From the skin ectoderm, the embryonic stratified epithelium of the oral cavity is formed, which gives rise to the parenchyma of the gland. The mesenchyme forms the stroma. Ganglionic plates appear from the neuroectoderm, forming the nervous apparatus of the glands.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

exocrine- secretion of protein and mucous components of saliva;
endocrine- secretion of hormone-like substances;
filtration- filtration of liquid components of blood plasma from capillaries into saliva;
excretory- isolation of end products of metabolism.

SALIVATION

Salivation is the secretion and release of saliva into the oral cavity. It is produced by the salivary glands. The secretion of the major salivary glands is intermittent; saliva secreted by them serves to moisten the food in the oral cavity. The secretion of the small salivary glands in humans is continuous; The saliva they produce moisturizes the oral mucosa.

Reflex salivation is carried out under the influence of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves with the participation of the salivary center, incorporated in the medulla oblongata. Salivation is also affected by humoral factors. For example, atropine suppresses the secretion of the salivary glands, and pilocarpine causes increased secretion even in conditions of their denervation.

Salivation can be disturbed in various pathological conditions: excessive salivation (hypersalivation) is observed with nausea of various origins, trigeminal neuralgia, stomatitis; low (hyposalivation) - in some infectious diseases, pneumonia, diabetes, etc.

DISEASES OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS

Pathologies of the development of the salivary gland are observed very rarely. Sometimes congenital absence of these glands is possible.

Salivary gland lesions are rarely isolated. They can occur as a result of a gunshot wound, cutting or bruised-lacerated wounds. The parotid gland is most often damaged.

In this case, the integrity of the excretory duct of the gland, the facial nerve and the external carotid artery is often violated. The wound of the parotid gland may be complicated by the formation of a salivary fistula. Around the mouth of the fistula, irritation and maceration of the skin is sometimes noted. Treatment is operative. Frequent recurrences of salivary fistula.

After an inflammatory process or injury, as a result of the closure of the common duct or the duct extending from the lobule of the gland, retention cysts are formed, more often in the small salivary glands (lower lip, cheek), less often in the large salivary glands.

The most common salivary diseases:

sialadenitis;
sialolithiasis;
mumps.

Salivary glands(lat. gladulae salivales) - exocrine glands that secrete secrets into the oral cavity, called saliva. There are small and large salivary glands.

Minor salivary glands

Minor salivary glands are located in the oral mucosa and are classified by their location (labial, buccal, molar, lingual, and palatine) or by the nature of the secretion (serous, mucous, and mixed). The most numerous among the minor salivary glands are the labial and palatine.

Minor salivary glands are located in the thickness of the oral mucosa or in its submucosa. The sizes of small glands are varied, their diameter is from 1 to 5 mm.

Major salivary glands

The major salivary glands are three pairs of salivary glands that stand out for their size.