Salivary gland

The salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system moist. It also helps break down carbohydrates (with salivary amylase, formerly known as ptyalin) and lubricates the passage of food down from the oro-pharynx to the esophagus to the stomach.

Related Topics:
Gland - Saliva - Digestive system - Pharynx - Esophagus - Stomach

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There are three main pairs of salivary glands: the parotid, the submandibular and the sublingual glands. There are also many small glands in the tongue, cheeks, lips and palate, all of which consist entirely of mucous secreting cells (see HISTOLOGY below) except for the serous glands of von Ebner, which reside within the moats surrounding the circumvallate pappilae in the posterior 1/3 of the tongue, anterior to the terminal sulcus.

Related Topics:
Parotid - Submandibular - Sublingual gland - Tongue - Cheek - Lips - Palate

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