What are the salivary glands?
The salivary glands is called the salivary glands. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as three pairs of large glands — parotid, submandibular, and sublingual — plus many small ones.
What it is
- Three pairs of large glands — parotid, submandibular, and sublingual — plus many small ones.
- Produce saliva.
- Saliva moistens food, begins the digestion of starch, and lubricates the mouth.
Where it is
- Around the mouth and jaw.
- The parotid lies in front of and below the ear.
- The submandibular and sublingual glands lie in the floor of the mouth.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
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