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Exploring Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Salivary Gland Disorders: A Narrative Overview DR Khansa Javed Abbasi (AJKMC MZD ) DR Saqlain Nazeer (AMC Abbottabad ) DR Maaela Khan (AJMC MZD ) DR Syed Usman Ali Gillani (CMH Rawalakot ) DR Aamir Arif (MBBS MC MIRPUR ) DR Areez Ayoub (MBBS MC Mirpur )

Abstract

Salivary glands play a pivotal role in oral health by secreting fluids essential for digestion, defense, lubrication, taste sensation, and buffering the mouth. These glands can be categorized into two main groups: the major and minor glands. The major glands include the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, while the minor glands are distributed throughout the tongue, buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, and palatal region. Of the major glands, the submandibular is the second largest, followed by the parotid, with the sublingual being the smallest of the three [1]. Structurally, the glands are composed of acinar cells, ductal cells, and myoepithelial cells. Their branched duct systems transport saliva from the glandular endpieces into the oral cavity. Acinar cells are responsible for producing saliva, and myoepithelial cells surround the acini and intercalated ducts. The extracellular matrix, along with immune cells, stromal cells, myofibroblasts, and nerve fibers, encases these cellular structures. The proportion of acinar cells varies across the glands, impacting the nature of their secretions. For instance, the parotid gland mainly consists of serous acini, leading to the production of watery saliva.