[6] These are largest of the salivary glands, secreting saliva to facilitate mastication and swallowing, and amylase to begin the digestion of starches.

The glands are located posterior to the mandibular ramus and anterior to the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

[7] This gland can usually be felt via palpation of the neck, as it is in the superficial cervical region and feels like a rounded ball.

The glands were unknown until September 2020, when they were discovered by a group of Dutch scientists using prostate-specific membrane antigen PET-CT.

[11] Around 800 to 1,000 minor salivary glands are located throughout the oral cavity within the submucosa[12] of the oral mucosa in the tissue of the buccal, labial, and lingual mucosa, the soft palate, the lateral parts of the hard palate, and the floor of the mouth or between muscle fibers of the tongue.

[13] Von Ebner's glands are found in a trough circling the circumvallate papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue near the terminal sulcus.

Salivary glands are innervated, either directly or indirectly, by the parasympathetic and sympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system.

The three forms of acini are classified in terms of the type of epithelial cell present and the secretory product being produced - serous, mucoserous, and mucous.

[17] All of the human salivary glands terminate in the mouth, where the saliva proceeds to aid in digestion.

The knowledge of normal salivary flow rate (SFR) is extremely important when treating dental patients.

Xerostomia, the symptom of dry mouth is often caused by hyposalivation and is associated with significant impairment of quality of life.

[34] Following radiotherapy of the head and neck region, salivary gland dysfunction is a predictable side-effect.

[36] A Cochrane review found there was no strong evidence that topical therapies are effective in relieving the symptoms of dry mouth.

[38] Graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may manifest as dry mouth and many small mucoceles.

[39] Salivary gland tumours may occur, including mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a malignant growth.

[40] A sialogram is a radiocontrast study of a salivary duct that may be used to check its function, and for diagnosing Sjögren syndrome.