Conventional scanning electron microscopic study of the submandibular gland of the rat

The submandibular gland of rats was treated with HC1-collagenase and NaOH methods which remove respectively, the collagen fibers and cellular components of acinar and ductal structures. The results revealed that the acini are oval in shape and surrounded by basal lamina and fine fibrilar structures. The fractured surface revealed clearly the lobuli, the interlobular spaces containing the collagen fiber bundles and the acini formations of submandiblar glands. Numerous acini of differents diameters are seen. The surfaces of striated ductus showed the original disposition of collagen fiber bundles belonging to the capsular elements.