Salivary glands
Glandulae salivariae
- Latin synonym: Glandulae oris
- Synonym: Glands of mouth
- Related terms: Glands of mouth
Definition
The salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce saliva for lubrication, digestion, and oral protection.
Major salivary glands
The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, which secrete saliva through ducts into the oral cavity.
Minor salivary glands
The minor salivary glands are numerous small glands located within the oral mucosa of the lips, cheeks, palate, and tongue. They mainly produce mucous secretions that keep the oral mucosa moist.
References
Ghannam MG, Singh P. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Salivary Glands. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538325/
