Salivary glands

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

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Salivary glands

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