Sialolithiasis most commonly affects which salivary gland, and what property of its saliva accounts for this predisposition?
- A Submandibular gland; thick mucoid saliva, long tortuous duct draining against gravity, and higher calcium and phosphate concentration ✓
- B Parotid gland; low pH serous saliva predisposing to calcium precipitation
- C Sublingual gland; mucous secretion with stagnation in short ducts
- D Minor salivary glands; concentrated serous secretion pooling in crypts
Correct answer: A. Submandibular gland; thick mucoid saliva, long tortuous duct draining against gravity, and higher calcium and phosphate concentration
Explanation
Approximately 80% of salivary calculi occur in Wharton's duct (submandibular gland). Contributing factors include: the submandibular gland produces thick, viscid, mucoid saliva with higher calcium and phosphate concentrations; Wharton's duct is long and tortuous, draining upward and forward against gravity; the duct has a narrow orifice. These factors predispose to stasis and calcification. Parotid stones are less common despite high-volume secretion.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.