Sialolithiasis is most commonly obstructing which salivary duct?

Sialolithiasis is most commonly obstructing which salivary duct?

• A. Wharton's duct
• B. Stenson's duct
• C. Parotid gland duct
• D. Rivinus duct

Answer: (A)

Stones form when mineral salts precipitate in a duct of the salivary system. The most common site is the duct of the submandibular gland (Wharton's duct) because its saliva is relatively viscous and mucus-rich, with higher mineral content, and the duct path runs uphill toward the floor of the mouth. This combination promotes stasis and crystallization, making obstruction by a stone more likely there. In contrast, the parotid gland’s duct (Stenson's) carries more watery, serous saliva and drains more directly, so stones are less common in that duct. Minor salivary gland ducts (Rivinus) are even less typically affected.

Stones form when mineral salts precipitate in a duct of the salivary system. The most common site is the duct of the submandibular gland (Wharton's duct) because its saliva is relatively viscous and mucus-rich, with higher mineral content, and the duct path runs uphill toward the floor of the mouth. This combination promotes stasis and crystallization, making obstruction by a stone more likely there. In contrast, the parotid gland’s duct (Stenson's) carries more watery, serous saliva and drains more directly, so stones are less common in that duct. Minor salivary gland ducts (Rivinus) are even less typically affected.