aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Factors that combine to produce calculi in the duct of the submandibular gland include:

  • the long, upward course of the submandibular duct
  • the narrow duct orifice
  • mucus acting as a matrix, possibly due to:
    • stagnation
    • retrograde infection from the mouth
  • a high concentration relative to parotid saliva of:
    • calcium hydroxy apatite
    • phosphate hydroxy apatite
    • phosphatases