This image of a section
of the submaxillary gland (also known as
the submandibular gland) shows parts of three lobules, separated
by interlobular connective tissue. The submaxillary
gland contains a mixture of serous secretory
units and mucous secretory units with
serous demilunes. The serous secretory cells
have dark-stained cytoplasm whereas the mucous secretory cells have relatively
unstained cytoplasm, making it possible to distinguish between them even at
low magnification. This image also includes several ducts,
lined by simple
columnar epithelium, both within the lobules and in the interlobular
connective tissue. The interlobular
connective tissue also contains large blood
vessels.
