17th July 2023

Anatomy and Physiology

• Parotid glands
  • Largest salivary gland, located behind the angle of the jaw
  • 2 lobes with the facial nerve passing between the lobes
• Submandibular glands
  • Located below the jaw
  • Most common site for salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis)
• Sublingual glands
  • Located under the floor of the mouth
• Minor salivary glands

The main digestive enzymes produced by the salivary glands are amylase (digestion of sugars) and lingual lipase (digestion of fats).