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Palatine glands

The palatine glands are minor salivary glands located in the posterior part of the oral cavity, primarily within the mucosa and submucosa of the hard and soft palate. They produce a mucous secretion that lubricates the oral cavity and facilitates swallowing. Understanding the anatomy, function, and imaging appearance of the palatine glands is essential for radiologists, ENT specialists, oral surgeons, and pathologists, especially when evaluating salivary gland tumors, cysts, or inflammatory conditions.

Synonyms

  • Minor palatal salivary glands

  • Palatal mucous glands

  • Posterior minor salivary glands of the palate

  • Mucous palatine glands

Function

  • Secrete mucous to lubricate the oral cavity and palate

  • Facilitate speech and swallowing

  • Provide a protective barrier against mechanical irritation of the palate

  • Maintain oral moisture and contribute to oral health

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Palatine glands appear as small, ovoid, intermediate signal intensity structures within the palatal mucosa.

  • Surrounded by hyperintense submucosal fat, which provides natural contrast.

  • Pathological changes, such as tumors or cysts, often appear hypointense to isointense, and may enhance with contrast.

T2-weighted images:

  • Glands are generally intermediate signal, while fluid-containing cysts or inflammatory edema appear hyperintense, making them easily distinguishable.

  • Useful for identifying mucocele, minor salivary gland tumors, or inflammatory changes.

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights glandular pathology by removing high signal from surrounding fat.

  • Normal palatine glands appear low-to-intermediate signal; edematous or tumorous glands appear bright hyperintense, improving detection of subtle lesions.

CT Appearance

  • On non-contrast CT, palatine glands are soft tissue density and usually not individually distinguishable unless hypertrophied or involved by pathology.

  • Surrounded by air in the oral cavity, which appears hypodense (black), providing natural contrast.

  • Pathological lesions, such as cysts or minor salivary gland tumors, appear as soft tissue density masses within or adjacent to the palatal mucosa.

  • CT is particularly useful for evaluating bony involvement, palatal masses, or calcifications within lesions.

MRI images

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