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

Abstract

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°); 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. © 2006 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.