MH 094hr Parotid

Parotid

This image was obtained with a 60x oil immersion objective from MH 094. The increased resolution is helpful in viewing secretory cells and ducts of the parotid.

The minimal functional unit of the parotid is a lobule defined by a thin layer of connective tissue.

• Serous Cells (#1,#2) - arranged as acini of pyramidal serous cells. These polarized cells have rough endoplasmic reticulum at their base (basophilic) and secretion granules (eosinophilic) at their apex
• Mucous Cells - polarized cells with flattened nuclei at the bottom of the cells. These are very lightly stained with a "foamy" appearance (mucous has been extracted).
• Intralobular Ducts - two types are found within lobules:
  • Intercalated Ducts (#1,#2,#3) - the smallest ducts that insert into and drain individual acini. They are more lightly stained than acini cells and are low cuboidal.
  • Striate Ducts - arise from intercalated ducts. They are columnar with basal striations and are surrounded by capillaries.
• Interlobular Ducts (or extralobular ducts)- found outside of lobules
  • Simple columnar, stratified columnar or stratified cuboidal epithelium.
  • Supported by a thick layer of connective tissue.