Major salivary glands

The major salivary glands are paired exocrine glands responsible for producing saliva, which lubricates the oral cavity, aids digestion, and protects oral tissues.

• Parotid glands are the largest salivary glands, located anterior and inferior to the ear. Their secretions drain via the parotid (Stensen) duct opposite the upper second molar tooth. They produce mainly serous secretions.

• Submandibular glands are located beneath the mandible within the submandibular triangle. Their ducts (Wharton ducts) open at the sublingual papilla beside the lingual frenulum. They produce mixed serous and mucous secretions.

• Sublingual glands are the smallest major salivary glands, situated beneath the mucosa of the floor of the mouth. They drain through multiple small ducts along the sublingual fold and produce predominantly mucous secretions.

All major salivary glands receive parasympathetic secretomotor innervation and contribute to mastication, swallowing, speech, and oral hygiene.