Salivary Glands

Three pairs of salivary glands open into the buccal cavity: the parotid glands, present in front of the ear; the submandibular glands, present below the lower jaw; and the sublingual glands, present below the tongue.

Each gland is built of two types of secretory cell: serous cells, which secrete a fluid containing the digestive enzyme salivary amylase, and mucous cells, which produce mucus that lubricates food and eases swallowing. Saliva itself is about 98% water and 2% other constituents, including electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonates) and saliva …