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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]
It has also been defined as increased amount of saliva in the mouth, which may also be caused by decreased clearance of saliva. [ 4 ] Hypersalivation can contribute to drooling if there is an inability to keep the mouth closed or difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) the excess saliva, which can lead to excessive spitting.
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).
Secretion: Saliva is the primary secretion of the oral mucosa. It has many functions including lubrication, pH buffering and immunity. The lubricating and antimicrobial functions of saliva are maintained mainly by resting; saliva results in a flushing effect and the clearance of oral debris and noxious agents.
Blockage, whether caused by salivary duct stones or external compression, may cause pain and swelling of the parotid gland . Koplik's spots which are pathognomonic of measles are found near the opening of the parotid duct. The parotid duct may be cannulated by inserting a tube through the internal orifice in the mouth. [2]
Preganglionic fibers en route to the pterygopalatine ganglion (destined to ultimately innervate the lacrimal gland and the mucosal glands of the nose, palate, and pharynx) subsequently form the greater petrosal nerve, whereas those en route to the submandibular ganglion (destined to ultimately innervate the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands) subsequently form the chorda tympani.
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]
The submandibular duct (also Wharton's duct or historically submaxillary duct) is one of the salivary excretory ducts. It is about 5 cm long, and its wall is much thinner than that of the parotid duct. It drains saliva from each bilateral submandibular gland and sublingual gland to the sublingual caruncle in the floor of the mouth.