Salivary glands produce saliva, which moistens the mouth to help a person chew and swallow food. Saliva also contains substances (enzymes) that begin the breakdown of food.
There are four pairs of salivary glands, four glands on each side:
- The parotid glands are between the ear and the jaw.
- The submandibular glands are under the jaw.
- The sublingual glands are on the floor of the mouth under the tongue.
- The buccal glands are in the mucous membrane lining the cheeks and mouth. These glands produce only a small amount of saliva.
Current as of:
June 6, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine