Oral Pathology Assignment

Noor Al-Deen M. Al-Khanati

Minor Salivary Glands

These nonencapsulated glands are distributed throughout the
oral mucosa and submucosa. Saliva is produced by small groups
of secretory units and is conducted to the oral cavity by short
ducts, with little modification of its content.
Although variations exist, minor salivary glands are usually
mucous. The small serous glands present in the posterior region
of the tongue (von Ebner's glands) are the only exception.

1. Labial glands:
Small salivary glands at the inner aspect of the lips.

2. Buccal glands:
Small mucous salivary glands at the inner aspect of the
cheeks.

3. Molar glands:
Salivary glands corresponding to the buccal glands
situated beneath the mucosal at the level of the molar teeth.

4. Palatine glands:
Salivary glands situated beneath the mucosa of the palate.
(Two large groups, right and left of the midline.)

5. Lingual glands:
Numerous mucous, serous and mixed glands primarily in
the lateral and posterior areas of the tongue.

6. Anterior lingual glands:

Mixed glands near the apex of the tongue providing several
drainage ducts on the undersurface of the tongue.

References:
Basic Histology: Text & Atlas, 11th Edition
Pocket Atlas of Human Anatomy: Based on the
International Nomenclature, 4th Edition
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3
6 1
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5
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Mouth with tongue elevated

Palate, inferior view

Oral Pathology Assignment

By Noor Al-Deen M. Al-Khanati