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The two parotid glands are major salivary glands wrapped around the mandibular ramus in humans. [6] These are largest of the salivary glands, secreting saliva to facilitate mastication and swallowing, and amylase to begin the digestion of starches. [7] It is the serous type of gland which secretes alpha-amylase (also known as ptyalin). [8]
Saliva on a baby's lips. Saliva (commonly referred to as spit or drool) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth.In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
The serous cell predominates in the parotid, making the gland secrete a mainly serous secretory product. [10] The parotid gland also secretes salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), which is the first step in the decomposition of starches during mastication. It is the main exocrine gland to secrete this.
The function of the salivary glands is to secrete saliva, which has a lubricating function, which protects the mucosa of the mouth during eating and speaking. [2] Saliva also contains digestive enzymes (e.g. salivary amylase), has antimicrobial action, and acts as a buffer. [3]
The paired submandibular glands (historically known as submaxillary glands) are major salivary glands located beneath the floor of the mouth.In adult humans, they each weigh about 15 grams and contribute some 60–67% of unstimulated saliva secretion; on stimulation their contribution decreases in proportion as parotid gland secretion rises to 50%. [1]
Saliva consists of mucus and serous fluid; the serous fluid contains the enzyme amylase, which is important for the digestion of carbohydrates. Minor salivary glands of von Ebner present on the tongue secrete the lipase. The parotid gland produces purely serous saliva. The other major salivary glands produce mixed (serous and mucus) saliva.
In summary, salivary glands are classified as heterocrine glands because they have a dual role in both exocrine and endocrine functions. They primarily secrete saliva into the oral cavity for digestion, but they can also release specific hormones into the bloodstream with broader physiological effects.
These glands, along with additional minor salivary glands, secrete a rich mixture of biological chemicals, electrolytes, proteins, genetic material, polysaccharides, and other molecules. Most of these substances enter the salivary gland acinus and duct system from the surrounding capillaries via the intervening tissue fluid, although some ...