A Summary of the Human Digestive System

The Salivary Glands

1. parotid glands are in front of each ear.
2. submandibular glands are below the lower jaw bones
3. sublingual glands are under the tongue

• Diseases can produce changes in either saliva or their glands.
• The viral disease called mumps affects the salivary glands in children.
• Between 20 and 50 ounces of saliva are produced each day.

Salivary glands, located within the mouth, are accessory digestive glands that secrete a fluid called saliva. The functions of saliva are to clean the teeth, moisten the mouth and dissolve food particles. Saliva also contains starch-digesting enzymes and mucus, both which aid in swallowing by lubricating the pharynx. There are three paired major salivary glands which produce saliva within the mouth. The largest of these is called the parotid gland. The submandibular gland is located about halfway down the inner side of the jaw. The sublingual gland lies under the tongue.