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: october 19, 2023
author: healthwise staff
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