THE SALIVARY GLANDS 



239 



ing this clear part of the cell is of the nature of mucin, 

 the submaxillary gland is spoken of as a mucous gland. 



In some of the alveoli a second kind of cell may be 

 seen (Fig. 73, A and B, a) ; these lie close against the 

 outer wall of the alveolus, and from their shape are often 

 called demilune cells. They are granular and stain 

 deeply. 



In similar sections of the parotid gland, also in the 

 resting condition, the cells are smaller than in the alveoli 

 of the submaxillary gland. Further, the nucleus lies near 



A 

 Fig. 



A. 



74.— Sections of the Parotid Gland. 

 at rest ; B, after secretory activity. 



the middle of each cell, and the whole cell is extremely 

 granular and stains fairly easily (Fig. 74, A). The body 

 of each cell is composed of albumin and is free from any 

 trace of anything like mucin ; hence the parotid is known 

 as an albuminous gland. 



After these glands have been secreting for hours, as 

 the result of stimulating the nerves supplied to them, 

 the appearance of their cells is greatly changed. The 

 cells of the submaxillary gland are now smaller ; the 

 nucleus is nearer the centre of each cell and the whole 



