The salivary glands produce saliva and empty it into your mouth via ducts. Saliva aids swallowing and chewing. It can also aid in the prevention of infections in your mouth or throat. Salivary glands are located in and around the mouth and throat. The basic secretory units of salivary glands are acini, which are clusters of cells. These cells secrete a fluid containing water, electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes, which drains into collecting ducts from the acinus. The parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are the three major salivary glands. The parotid glands are found in front and below the ear. Salivary glands can fail, become infected, or become clogged by stones that form in their ducts. See this PPT for more information.

Della Mariya Davis

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