Variations in the Histogenisis and Morphometry of Human Fetal Submandibular Salivary Gland

The average weights of submandibular glands of group I, II & III were 23.5mg, 54.6mg & 109.7mg respectively. The increase in ductal proliferation, lobulation and connective tissue septa formation caused an increase in the size and weight of the gland from 12 weeks to full term was observed. In the present study, in group I the gland was just behind the mylohyoid, group II the mylohyoid muscle just entering the interlobular fissure and in group III the muscle occupies half of the interlobular fissure. . About 15 to 18 tubules were found in the form of small round cluster of cells. Until the 10th week, no lobulation, no organised duct pattern and no canalised acini were seen. Canalisation of tubules starts at 12th week and reached maximum in 16th week (group I). Connective tissue was more prominent. Increase in canalised tubules from 75% to 90% in this group, also proved the fact that the ductal proliferation was more.