The document discusses the salivary glands and their functions. It states that saliva is produced by three pairs of major salivary glands - the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. It also mentions numerous minor salivary glands located in different parts of the oral cavity. The functions of saliva include defense against bacteria and fungi, digestion, protection of tissues, lubrication to keep the mouth moist, and buffering to maintain pH levels. The parotid gland is the largest and located in front of the ear. The submandibular and sublingual glands are smaller and located beneath the tongue.

1. A4.General knowledge of
Salivary Glands
Syed Muhammad Salman
Demonstrator Dental HIMS

2. Salivary glands
• The oral cavity is kept moist by a film of fluid
called saliva.
• Saliva is a complex fluid, produced by the
salivary glands.
• Individuals with a deficiency of salivary
secretion experience difficulty eating,
speaking, and swallowing and become prone
to mucosal infections and rampant caries.

3. • In human beings, three pairs of major salivary
glands
1. Parotid
2. Submandibular
3. Sublingual
are located outside the oral cavity, with extended
duct systems through which the gland secretions
reach the mouth.

5. • Numerous smaller minor salivary glands are
located in various parts of the oral cavity—
• The labial
• Lingual
• Palatal
• Buccal
• Glossopalatine, and retromolar glands—typically
located in the submucosal layer, with short ducts
opening directly onto the mucosal surface.

6. Composition of Saliva

7. Function of Saliva
• Defense
– Antibacterial
– Antifungal
– Immunological
• Digestive
– Formation of bolus
– Taste
– Digestive enzyme, lipase, ptyalin

8. • Protective
– Protective coating for hard tissues
– Protective coating for soft tissues
• Lubricating
– Keep the oral cavity moist
– Facilitates speech
– Helps in mastication and swollowing
• Buffering
– Maintain ph level

9. Parotid gland
• Parotid is large accounts for 50% secretion of
saliva
• Situated in front of ear behind the ramus of
mandible
• Gland drain in to oral cavity opposite to
second molar tooth
• Secretions are basically serous

10. Submandibular and Sub lingual gland
• The submandibular gland is about half the size
of the parotid gland
• It lies above the mylohyoid in the floor of the
mouth. It opens into the floor of the mouth
underneath the anterior part of the tongue
• The sublingual is the smallest of the paired
major salivary glands, being about one fifth
the size of the submandibular.

11. • It is situated in the floor of the mouth beneath
the sublingual folds of mucous membrane.