Final Answer:
Acinus: The functional unit responsible for saliva production.
Duct: Transporting saliva from acini to the oral cavity.
Parenchyma: Encompasses acini and ducts, the gland's functional tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the structure of a salivary gland, an acinus refers to the functional unit responsible for producing saliva. It consists of secretory cells that synthesize and secrete saliva into the duct system. The acini are the primary sites of saliva production within the gland.
Ducts are tubular structures that transport saliva from the acini to the oral cavity. These ducts play a crucial role in carrying the saliva synthesized in the acini toward the oral cavity, facilitating its release.
Parenchyma refers to the functional tissue of an organ and, in the context of salivary glands, encompasses both the acini and ducts. It constitutes the essential and functional part of the gland responsible for its primary function of producing and transporting saliva.
Understanding the components of a salivary gland involves recognizing the acinus as the site of saliva synthesis, ducts as conduits for transporting saliva, and parenchyma as the collective functional tissue comprising both acini and ducts. These structures work in coordination to produce and convey saliva, contributing to the overall function of the salivary gland in maintaining oral health and aiding in digestion.