WORKSHOP IN HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016

Chapter 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY

Digestive System

Slide 93. Parotid salivary gland.

Staining: hematoxylin and eosin.

Magnification: x80.

The gland is encapsulated and consists of lobules (1) separated by septa of loose Connective Tissue (2), which contain Blood Vessels, nerves, and excretory ducts. The bulk of the lobules is formed by the glandular parenchyma, represented by rounded alveolar secretory units (3). The serous Cells of the secretory units, or serocytes (4), are pyramidal in shape with centrally located nuclei and basophilic Cytoplasm (see the high-magnification inset). Myoepithelial cells (5) lie externally to the serocytes.

The duct system comprises intralobular and interlobular segments. Intralobular ducts include intercalated (6) and striated (7) ducts. In cross-section, intercalated ducts appear as small rings with a central lumen, their wall being lined by squamous or cuboidal epithelium. Striated excretory ducts are somewhat larger in diameter. A distinct striation is visible in the basal Regions of the cuboidal or columnar epithelial cells lining these ducts.

Interlobular (8) and main excretory ducts are located within the connective tissue septa between the lobules (2). The former are lined by stratified columnar (or pseudostratified) epithelium, while the latter feature stratified squamous epithelium.

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Slide 93. Parotid salivary gland.



Last update: 07/08/2026

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