THE SUBLINGUAL GLAND 



313 



in longitudinal section or by reconstruction, the true mucous char- 

 acter of each lobule is apparent. Many of the terminal acini of 

 the sublingual gland, however, although much branched, contain 



FIG. 256. FROM A SECTION OF THE SUBLINGUAL GLAND OF MAN ; THE LIGHTER AREAS 



ARE THE MUCOUS ACINI. 

 Hematein and eosin. Photo, x 53. 



no demilunes. The " basket cells " are readily recognized in the 

 acini of this gland though they are less highly developed here than 

 in the parotid. 



Blood Supply. The salivary glands possess a rich blood supply. 

 The arteries accompany the glandular ducts within the interlobu- 

 lar connective tissue, and thus reach all the lobules of the gland. 

 Small arterial twigs enter the lobule from all sides and form a rich 

 capillary plexus in the delicate connective tissue coats of the acini. 

 The capillaries are thus brought into intimate relation with the 

 secreting cells, from which they are only separated by the base- 

 ment membrane of the acinus. The veins return by a similar 



