Salivary glands - Function and what they are

The salivary glands in various biological species are exocrine glands in the upper digestive system that produce saliva that they pour into the oral cavity. Saliva is a colorless liquid of aqueous or mucosal consistency, containing proteins, glycoproteins, carbohydrates and electrolytes, desquamated epithelial cells and leukocytes. Its function, among others, is to start the digestion of food by moistening it to help in the process of chewing and swallowing, and it contains enzymes that begin the process of carbohydrate and fat digestion. Next, we explain what salivary glands are and how they work.

The oral mucosa

The mucosa of the oral cavity, tongue and palate is studded with small individual glands that moisten the surfaces, and lubricate them secreting a film of mucus .

These constitute the minor salivary glands, in addition there are three pairs of major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular and sublingual.

Parotid gland

The most voluminous salivary gland is the parotid gland, located below the zygomatic arch, in front of the mastoid process and behind the branch of the mandible. It is related to the main branches of the facial nerve. Within its substance rises the superficial temporal artery. The secretion of the parotid gland is of the serous (fluid) type.

The parotid duct leaves the anterosuperior angle of the salivary gland, crosses over the mastetero muscle, perforates the buccinator muscle, and opens in the buccal vestibule, superior to the upper second molar.

Submandibular gland

The submandibular gland of the oral cavity produces a mixed salivary secretion, serous and mucosal (viscous) but predominantly serous. It is inside the mandibular angle. Its duct goes forward and in, on the floor of the mouth, and opens next to the frenulum of the tongue.

Sublingual gland

The sublingual of the mouth is the smallest of the salivary glands. This gland, predominantly mucosa, is below the mucosa of the floor of the mouth. Your salivary secretion flows through several separate sublingual ducts that open in the sublingual fold.