Salivary Glands

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.

Current as of: October 31, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & A. Evan Eyler, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Psychiatry