Salivary Glands: Definition, Function, Diagram, Examples

What Are Salivary Glands?

Salivary glands are vital in the human body, producing and releasing saliva into the oral cavity. It is a clear, slightly watery liquid that contains enzymes such as amylase, initiators of starch digestion; it lubricates food for easy swallowing and has antibacterial properties for the sake of teeth and gum health.

This Story also Contains

1. What Are Salivary Glands?
2. Anatomy Of Salivary Glands
3. Anatomy Of Salivary Glands
4. Functions Of Salivary Glands
5. Composition of Saliva
6. The Video Recommended On Salivary Glands:

Anatomy Of Salivary Glands

Major Salivary Glands are:

Parotid Glands

• Site: Positioned in front of the ears, extending to the cheeks adjacent to the ears.

• Histology: Serous acini-producing watery saliva is found.

• Function: Principally secreting saliva rich in enzymes that initiate digestion.

Submandibular Glands

• Position: Under the lower jawbone.

• Structure: These glands are serous and mucous acini; thus, this gland produces mixed saliva.

• Function: The saliva this gland produces contains enzymes: for lubrication and the initiation of digestion.

Sublingual Glands

• Position: Under the tongue.

• Structure: Principally composed of mucous acini.

• Function: Products are predominantly mucous, allowing lubrication and protection of the oral mucosa.

Minor Salivary Glands

• Location: Widely distributed throughout the cavity of the mouth, in the lips, cheeks, and palate.

• Types: Chiefly mucous glands.

• Functions: Assist in continuous secretion of saliva that moistens the mouth to ease speech and swallowing.

Diagram: Salivary Glands

Anatomy Of Salivary Glands

• It comprises secretary units, Acini, that are enveloped by myoepithelium, which contracts to squeeze out the saliva.

• Ducts, namely, intercalated, striated, and excretory, carry the saliva from the acini onto the oral cavity.

Cell Types Involved:

• Serous Cells: Secrete watery saliva rich in enzymes.

• Mucous Cells: Secrete mucus, which contributes to the lubricating action of saliva.

• Myoepithelial Cells: Found surrounding acini and ducts, they squeeze out saliva.

Functions Of Salivary Glands

The functions of salivary glands include:

Saliva Production

• Continuously secreted to keep the mouth moist and to help in speech and swallowing.

Enzymatic Activity

• Starches are broken down into simple sugars in the presence of amylase.

Lubrication And Oral Hygiene

• It moistens food for easy swallowing and prevents drying of the oral tissues.

Antibacterial Properties

• The combination of the enzymes and proteins in saliva inhibits bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, ensuring oral health.

Digestive Functions

• It initiates the digestion of carbohydrates and lipids and aids digestion.

Composition of Saliva

Saliva is composed of:

• Water: It constitutes the major part of saliva, providing a clear-fluid medium for various enzymes and other constituents.

• Electrolytes: Electrolytes include the sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions. They maintain a pH balance.

• Mucus: It lubricates the oral mucosa and protects it. Enzymes: Examples include amylase, lipase, and lysozyme; they participate in digestion and antibacterial activity.

• Antibacterial Compounds: Immunoglobulins and lysozyme play an essential role in preventing various infections of the oral cavity.

The anatomy, structure, functions, or composition of the salivary glands are fairly very significant ways of appreciating the pivotal role these glands play in oral and general health. The salivary glands are indispensable during different physiological processes that range from initiation of digestion to maintenance of oral hygiene. Hence the importance of these glands among other glands in the human body can never be overemphasised.

The Video Recommended On Salivary Glands: