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Genetic Modification and Recombination of Salivary Gland Organ Cultures
Published on: January 28, 2013
Prenatal development of the human submandibular gland
E A el-Mohandes1, K G Botros, A A Bondok
1Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Acta Anatomica
|January 1, 1987
Summary
The human submandibular gland develops immaturely at 10 weeks, with acinar cells and ducts maturing by 32 weeks. Granular cells appear by 20 weeks, and transient secretory activity occurs in the second trimester.
Area of Science:
- Human Embryology
- Glandular Development
- Histology
Background:
- The human submandibular gland's prenatal development is crucial for understanding salivary gland function.
- Previous research has detailed aspects of salivary gland development, but a comprehensive timeline for the submandibular gland is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sequential prenatal developmental stages of the human submandibular gland.
- To identify key morphological changes and cellular differentiation from the 10th week of gestation to full term.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of 26 human fetal submandibular glands.
- Analysis of tissue morphology from 10 weeks gestation to full term.
- Use of Periodic Acid-Schiff and Alcian blue staining to identify secretory materials.
Main Results:
- Immature glandular elements observed at 10-12 weeks, with gradual increase in acinar cells until 32 weeks.
- Intercalated and striated ducts distinguished by 16 weeks, stabilizing by 32 weeks.
- Granular convoluted tubule cells developed from 20 weeks to full term; transient secretory activity noted in the second trimester.
Conclusions:
- The human submandibular gland undergoes distinct developmental phases, with key structures like acini, ducts, and granular cells differentiating sequentially.
- Transient secretory activity during the second trimester suggests a potential role in fetal development or gland maturation.
- The gland at birth is primarily serous, lacking mucous acini and fat cells.
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