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:
- The parotid glands are located between the ear and the jaw.
- The submandibular glands are located under the jaw.
- The sublingual glands are located on the floor of the mouth under the tongue.
- The buccal glands are located in the mucous membrane lining the cheeks and mouth. These glands produce only a small amount of saliva.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
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