Symmetry of the submandibular glands in humans--a postmortem study assessing the linear morphometric parameters.

BACKGROUND

The analysis of morphometric right-left symmetry of the salivary glands is important for assessing unilateral changes discovered in these organs during diagnostic imaging.

STUDY

DESIGN

A study was carried out on 18 adult human autopsy neck and maxillofacial specimens from both sexes (14 males, 4 females), with age range of 17 to 73 years (mean age 49.9 years). The submandibular duct was injected with contrast medium and images were made in two projection planes.

RESULTS

Morphometry performed using the obtained radiographs included: (a) caliber (mean proximal, middle, and distal = 1.73 mm, 1.82 mm, and 1.77 mm), (b) length (mean = 37.2 mm); (c) genu of the submandibular duct (mean = 114 degrees ); and (d) longitudinal and transverse diameters of the gland (mean = 44.1 mm and 25.9 mm). Comparison of these morphometric parameters between the right and the left glands revealed no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

There is a high level of right-left symmetry in linear morphometric parameters of the submandibular gland.