Question

Wharton's duct is the duct of
А. Submandibular salivary gland.
B. Parotid gland.
С. Sublingual gland.
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The salivary gland is a type of digestive gland . Saliva is produced by the pairs of three salivary glands namely Parotids, submaxillary, sublingual gland. These glands are situated just outside the buccal cavity and they secrete salivary juice in the buccal cavity. Saliva contains salivary amylase, maltase and lysozyme.

Complete answer:
Salivary glands: Saliva is mainly produced by three pairs of salivary glands. These are:-
- Parotids: Found near the cheek and these are the largest salivary glands (opens through Stenson's duct).
- Submaxillary/Submandibular: Found at lower jaw (opens through Wharton’s duct).
- Sublinguals: Found below tongue and these are the smallest salivary glands (opens through Rivinus duct).

 Now let us match these with the given options :-
> Option A: Sub mandibular salivary gland
They are also known as sub- maxillary glands. It is present below the parotid gland and above the sublingual gland. It constitutes the floor of the oral cavity. These get open through Wharton’s duct. Thus this option is correct.

> Option B: Parotid gland
These glands open through Stenson’s duct. It is the first gland. These are located in front of ears and are the largest of all salivary glands. Thus this option is not correct.

> Option C: Sublingual gland
These glands open through the Rivinus duct. It is an almond shaped gland and it is present beneath the tongue. They are 3-5% of the salivary gland. Thus this option is not correct.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Saliva is produced with the three pairs of salivary glands. Daily secretion of saliva is 1.5 litres, (pH of saliva is 6.7) and has salivary amylase (ptyalin), maltase and lysozyme. Salivary glands are stimulated to secrete saliva by parasympathetic innervation while sympathetic nerves cause reduced secretion leading to drying of the mouth.