Salivary glands are small organs located in and around your mouth that produce saliva, commonly known as spit. This fluid is important for maintaining oral health and plays a role in the initial stages of digestion, ensuring your mouth stays moist.
The Major Salivary Glands and Their Locations
The human body contains three main pairs of major salivary glands. These glands produce the majority of saliva. Hundreds of smaller minor salivary glands are also scattered throughout the lining of the oral cavity, including in the lips, palate, tongue, and inner cheeks.
The parotid glands are the largest major salivary glands, located in front of and below each ear, extending into the cheeks. They contribute about 50% of the total saliva produced. Saliva from the parotid glands travels into the mouth through ducts that open near the upper molars.
The submandibular glands are found beneath the jaw. These are the second largest glands. Their ducts release saliva into the floor of the mouth, under the tongue.
Below the tongue, in the floor of the mouth, lie the sublingual glands. These are the smallest major glands. They have multiple small ducts that open directly into the floor of the mouth.
Roles of Saliva and Salivary Glands
Saliva produced by these glands serves multiple functions beyond simply moistening the mouth. It plays a part in the digestive process by initiating the breakdown of food. Saliva contains enzymes, such as amylase, which begin to break down carbohydrates even before food reaches the stomach.
The lubricating properties of saliva are also important, as it moistens food, making it easier to chew and swallow. This lubrication also facilitates clear speech. Saliva helps maintain oral hygiene by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, thereby protecting teeth from decay and preventing infections.
Saliva also plays a role in taste perception. It dissolves taste compounds from food, allowing them to interact with taste buds on the tongue, which then send signals to the brain. Without saliva, the ability to taste would be significantly diminished.
Common Conditions Affecting Salivary Glands
Salivary glands can be affected by various conditions that may cause discomfort or swelling. One common issue is the formation of salivary stones, known as sialolithiasis. These are calcified deposits that can form in the ducts, blocking the flow of saliva and leading to pain and swelling, often worsening during meals when saliva production increases.
Another common condition is sialadenitis, which is an inflammation of a salivary gland, typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Viral infections like mumps can cause significant swelling and pain in the parotid glands. When saliva pools behind an obstruction, the gland can become infected.
General swelling of the salivary glands can also occur due to blockages or inflammation. Symptoms of salivary gland problems can include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth, fever, a lump under the jaw or ear, or changes in the taste or amount of saliva.