Salivary glands

Salivary glands is a group of glands that secrete saliva into the mouth. There are three pairs of salivary glands are present in the human body. They are:

1. Parotid gland
2. Submandibular salivary gland
3. Sublingual salivary gland

Salivary Glands

Parotid glands are found in front of and just below each ear. Submandibular glands are below the jaw. Sublingual glands are under the tongue. There are also hundreds of smaller glands.

Function

These glands make saliva (spit) and empty it into the mouth through openings called ducts.

What is the purpose of saliva?

Saliva makes food moist, which helps chewing and swallowing and the digestion of food. Saliva also keeps the mouth clean and healthy because it contains antibodies that kill germs.

Problems associated with salivary glands

If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva it can affect taste, make chewing and swallowing more difficult, and increase the risk for cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth.

Obstruction: Small stones that form in the gland ducts may obstruct the flow of saliva. The gland may swell and become painful and infected.  Small constrictions or twists in the duct system of the large salivary glands can also decrease salivary flow.

Infection: When saliva pools behind an obstruction in a duct, the gland can become infected. Infection of the lymph nodes from a sore throat or cold can also cause a secondary infection in the salivary glands.

Tumors: Tumors usually appear as painless enlargements in one of the salivary glands. Malignant (cancerous) tumors often grow quickly, may or may not be painful, and may cause loss of movement in the affected side of the face. Most small salivary gland tumors begin in the palate (roof of the mouth). More than half of all salivary gland tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread to other tissues. Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.

Other Disorders: Diseases such as HIV-AIDS, and autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, can make the salivary glands inflamed and painful. Diabetes may also cause enlargement of the salivary glands. Alcoholics may have salivary gland swelling, usually on both sides.

Salivary glands Resources
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