Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionAssociated ConditionsTestsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Associated Conditions
Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Glands are organs that make and release different substances in your body. The salivary glands produce saliva in your mouth. It is possible for these glands to become infected, swollen, or to develop other problems.This article will explain more about the anatomy, location, and function of the salivary glands.Henadzi Pechan / Getty ImagesAnatomyYour body has two types of salivary glands in your mouth: the major salivary glands and the minor salivary glands. The three pairs of major salivary glands, with one of each pair on either side of the face, are:Parotid glands: Located in front of your ears and in the cheeks, they are triangular and the largest of the three major glands.Submandibular glands: Located under the chin and walnut shaped, they are the second largest of the three major glands.Sublingual glands: Located under the tongue and almond shaped, they are the smallest of the three major glands.In addition, your mouth has thousands of minor salivary glands located in the following sites:CheeksTongueLipsPalateRoof of the mouthThe salivary glands are connected to tubes called ducts that transport the saliva they produce into your mouth.FunctionThe purpose of the salivary glands is to make saliva and to help:Keep the mouth moistChewingSwallowingDigestionKeep the teeth and mouth cleanPrevent infections andcavitiesin teethMaintain pH (acid/base) balance in the mouthAssociated ConditionsDifferent medical conditions can affect the salivary glands and cause problems, such as:Viral infections: Viruses can make the salivary glands swell and become infected.Ranula (cyst): This is a fluid-filled sac that can form in the salivary glands because of an injury, infection, trauma, or surgery.Sialolithiasis: Salivary duct stones can cause pain and swelling.Sialadenitis: This inflammation of the salivary gland causes swelling.Tumors: Benign (noncancerous) or cancerous tumors can form in the salivary glands. The likelihood of malignancy is greater for the minor salivary glands than it is for the major salivary glands.Could Your Salivary Duct Be Blocked? Here’s What You Need to KnowOther medical conditions that can affect the function of the salivary glands include:HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS: The virus can cause salivary gland enlargement, fever, pain, andxerostomia(dry mouth).Sjögren’s disease: This autoimmune disease affects moisture-producing glands in the body and causes swelling and dry mouthDiabetes: High blood glucose (sugar) may cause salivary gland enlargement and lower saliva production.Hepatitis C: This virus infects the liver and may cause salivary gland swelling.Mumps: This virus causes swelling in the salivary glands and fever. It is preventable with a vaccine.TestsYour doctor may do the following tests:Physical examDental X-raysExamination of the salivary glands with a scopeComputed tomography (CT) scan: A detailed computerized X-ray scanMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Detailed images taken using magnetic fieldsPositron emission tomography (PET scan): Imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to look for cells that are activeUltrasound: Imaging that uses sound wavesFine-needle biopsy: Procedure to remove cells for examination in a labSalivary gland scan with a camera and radioactive tracerSummaryThe salivary glands have the important function of making saliva in your mouth. There are major and minor salivary glands that produce saliva, which helps with digestion, lubrication, and cleaning. These glands can develop a variety of medical conditions and problems.A Word From VerywellThe salivary glands play an important role in your oral health. However, problems can develop in the glands, which may lead to complications if left untreated. When a gland’s function is affected, you may notice different symptoms.Sometimes it is not clear what is causing your symptoms or why you do not feel well. It is important to reach out to your healthcare provider to get the correct diagnosis in these situations. Make sure you discuss all of your symptoms and how often they occur.Since many medical conditions can affect your salivary glands, your diagnosis process may take time. Consider reaching out to support groups or loved ones for help.Frequently Asked QuestionsNo, the salivary glands are of different sizes. The parotid glands are the largest and submandibular glands are the second largest of the major glands. The sublingual glands are the smallest of these, and there are thousands of tiny minor glands.The minor salivary glands are very small and can only be viewed with a microscope.You may have the following symptoms:Dry mouthProblems opening your mouthPainSwellingFeverBad taste in your mouthSalivary gland problems affect people of any sex. You can develop medical conditions associated with these glands at any age. However, problems tend to be more common among older adults and those who have other medical conditions.
Glands are organs that make and release different substances in your body. The salivary glands produce saliva in your mouth. It is possible for these glands to become infected, swollen, or to develop other problems.
This article will explain more about the anatomy, location, and function of the salivary glands.
Henadzi Pechan / Getty Images
Your body has two types of salivary glands in your mouth: the major salivary glands and the minor salivary glands. The three pairs of major salivary glands, with one of each pair on either side of the face, are:
In addition, your mouth has thousands of minor salivary glands located in the following sites:
The salivary glands are connected to tubes called ducts that transport the saliva they produce into your mouth.
The purpose of the salivary glands is to make saliva and to help:
Different medical conditions can affect the salivary glands and cause problems, such as:
Could Your Salivary Duct Be Blocked? Here’s What You Need to Know
Other medical conditions that can affect the function of the salivary glands include:
Your doctor may do the following tests:
Summary
The salivary glands have the important function of making saliva in your mouth. There are major and minor salivary glands that produce saliva, which helps with digestion, lubrication, and cleaning. These glands can develop a variety of medical conditions and problems.
A Word From Verywell
The salivary glands play an important role in your oral health. However, problems can develop in the glands, which may lead to complications if left untreated. When a gland’s function is affected, you may notice different symptoms.
Sometimes it is not clear what is causing your symptoms or why you do not feel well. It is important to reach out to your healthcare provider to get the correct diagnosis in these situations. Make sure you discuss all of your symptoms and how often they occur.
Since many medical conditions can affect your salivary glands, your diagnosis process may take time. Consider reaching out to support groups or loved ones for help.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo, the salivary glands are of different sizes. The parotid glands are the largest and submandibular glands are the second largest of the major glands. The sublingual glands are the smallest of these, and there are thousands of tiny minor glands.The minor salivary glands are very small and can only be viewed with a microscope.You may have the following symptoms:Dry mouthProblems opening your mouthPainSwellingFeverBad taste in your mouthSalivary gland problems affect people of any sex. You can develop medical conditions associated with these glands at any age. However, problems tend to be more common among older adults and those who have other medical conditions.
No, the salivary glands are of different sizes. The parotid glands are the largest and submandibular glands are the second largest of the major glands. The sublingual glands are the smallest of these, and there are thousands of tiny minor glands.
The minor salivary glands are very small and can only be viewed with a microscope.
You may have the following symptoms:Dry mouthProblems opening your mouthPainSwellingFeverBad taste in your mouth
You may have the following symptoms:
Salivary gland problems affect people of any sex. You can develop medical conditions associated with these glands at any age. However, problems tend to be more common among older adults and those who have other medical conditions.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Salivary glands anatomy.MedlinePlus.Salivary gland disorders.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Salivary glands anatomy.MedlinePlus.Salivary gland disorders.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Salivary glands anatomy.MedlinePlus.Salivary gland disorders.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Salivary glands anatomy.
MedlinePlus.Salivary gland disorders.
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