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.
