The histological section shown in the image, characterized by predominantly serous acini, is best identified as which organ?

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

The image displays glandular tissue composed almost exclusively of serous acini, which are darkly staining cell clusters that produce a watery, protein-rich secretion.
A key identifying feature labeled in the image is a striated duct, which is characteristic of salivary glands and is particularly prominent in the parotid gland.
The combination of purely serous acini and the presence of striated ducts, along with the absence of mucous cells or Islets of Langerhans, definitively identifies the tissue as the parotid gland.

Option A: The sublingual gland is a mixed gland but is predominantly mucous, meaning its histology would be dominated by pale-staining, 'foamy' mucous acini, not the dark serous acini seen in the image.
Option B: Although the exocrine pancreas has serous acini, it is uniquely identified by the presence of pale-staining Islets of Langerhans (endocrine cell clusters), which are absent in the image.
Option D: The liver has a distinct architecture of hepatocytes arranged in hexagonal lobules around a central vein, which looks very different from the acinar structure of a salivary gland.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Histological identification of the parotid gland to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Identifying salivary gland histology is crucial for diagnosing conditions like sialadenitis (inflammation, e.g., mumps, which most commonly affects the parotid), sialolithiasis (stones), and tumors.
The parotid gland is the most common site for salivary gland tumors (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumor). Understanding its purely serous nature helps pathologists differentiate tumor cells from normal tissue.
What if? - If the image showed a mix of dark serous acini and pale mucous acini, with some serous cells forming 'caps' (demilunes) over mucous acini, the correct answer would be the Submandibular gland.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the image for key histological features. Note the type of secretory units (acini) and any specialized ducts.
The question stem specifies 'predominantly serous acini'. Observe the image to confirm this. The acini are dark-staining with round nuclei, consistent with serous cells.
Look for other labeled structures. The image clearly points out a 'Striated Duct', a key feature of certain salivary glands.
Systematically evaluate the options based on these two findings (purely serous acini and striated ducts).
Rule out the Sublingual gland (mostly mucous), the Pancreas (has Islets of Langerhans), and the Liver (lobular structure).
Conclude that the Parotid gland is the only option that is a purely serous gland with prominent striated ducts, matching the image perfectly.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q1Zq_FDs21_yXvbevk6GF2

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 101-103

E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 62-64

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