Which salivary gland drains its secretions through Wharton's duct?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
The Submandibular gland is the salivary gland that drains its secretions through Wharton's duct. This duct is also known as the submandibular duct and it opens into the floor of the mouth at the sublingual caruncle, which is located near the base of the tongue on either side of the lingual frenulum.
Here are the key points to remember:
- The parotid gland drains via Stensen's duct, which opens near the second upper molar.
- The sublingual gland has multiple small ducts called Rivinus ducts, with one major duct called the Bartholin duct, which sometimes joins the submandibular duct.
- The submandibular gland produces both serous and mucous secretions and drains via Wharton's duct.
- Minor salivary glands are numerous and scattered throughout the oral mucosa and do not use a single main duct.
Understanding the anatomy of the salivary glands and their ducts is essential for diagnosing and managing salivary gland disorders such as sialolithiasis (salivary stones) and infections.
Reference:
Gray's Anatomy, 41st Edition, Head and Neck Anatomy, Salivary Glands Chapter, Page 256-258