Page 533 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

In comparison with other salivary glands, the duct system of the sublingual

gland is different. The intercalated ducts (2, III) are short or absent and not
readily observed. In contrast, the nonstriated intralobular excretory ducts (6, 8,
IV) are more prevalent. These excretory ducts (6, 8, IV) are equivalent to the
striated ducts of the submandibular and parotid glands but lack the membrane
infolding and basal striations.

The interlobular connective tissue septa (4) are more abundant in the
sublingual glands than in the parotid and submandibular glands. An arteriole
(3), a venule (5), nerve fibers, and interlobular excretory ducts (12) are seen in
the septa. The epithelial lining of the interlobular excretory ducts (12) varies

from low columnar in the smaller ducts to pseudostratified or stratified columnar
in the larger ducts. In addition, the oval adipose cells (10) are seen scattered in
the connective tissue.

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