Salivary glands: why submandibular stones predominate: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Salivary glands: why submandibular stones predominate

Sample item

Salivary calculi occur most often in the submandibular gland. Which feature of this gland explains this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Its saliva is more viscous and alkaline with high calcium and mucin, and Wharton's duct runs upward against gravity

The submandibular secretion is mucoserous, thicker, more alkaline and richer in calcium and phosphate, and the long duct ascends to the floor of mouth so drainage is against gravity. These factors favour stasis and stone formation. About 80 percent of salivary calculi are submandibular.

Option by option

  • A. Its saliva is purely serous

    Saliva from this gland is mixed, not purely serous.

  • B. Its duct is wider than the parotid duct

    Wharton's duct is long and has a narrow ostium.

  • C. It is the largest salivary gland

    The parotid is the largest gland.

  • D. Its saliva is more viscous and alkaline with high calcium and mucin, and Wharton's duct runs upward against gravity (correct)

    Correct. Viscous alkaline saliva and the uphill duct promote stasis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Its saliva is more viscous and alkaline with high calcium and mucin, and Wharton's duct runs upward against gravity. The submandibular secretion is mucoserous, thicker, more alkaline and richer in calcium and phosphate, and the long duct ascends to the floor of mouth so drainage is against gravity.

Why is "Its saliva is purely serous" not the answer?

Saliva from this gland is mixed, not purely serous.

Why is "Its duct is wider than the parotid duct" not the answer?

Wharton's duct is long and has a narrow ostium.

Why is "It is the largest salivary gland" not the answer?

The parotid is the largest gland.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Salivary glands: why submandibular stones predominate in ENT. These factors favour stasis and stone formation. About 80 percent of salivary calculi are submandibular.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Salivary glands: why submandibular stones predominate?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.