Juxtaoral organ

The Juxtaoral organ (Chievitz) is a small longish structure (10–14 mm in length, 1–2 mm in diameter), situated laterally of the buccal muscle in both cheeks. The organ consists of a central ramified cord of an epithelial parenchyma, embedded in connective tissue particularly rich in nerve fibers and sensory receptors. Close relations exist between epthelial cells and nerve endings. Histochemically, the parenchyma displays a characteristic pattern of various enzymes. Sporadically, epithelial follicles containing colloidal material can be found. The organ is surrounded by a dense, perineurium-like connective tissue.