Major salivary glands

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 19 Jan 2024

The major salivary glands are the three large paired salivary glands and comprise of:

  • parotid glands

    • largest of the major glands

    • produces mainly serous saliva

    • responsible for most of the saliva during meals and mastication

  • submandibular glands

    • second largest

    • produces mixed mucous and serous saliva

  • sublingual glands

    • smallest of the major glands

    • produces mainly mucous saliva

    • only major salivary gland that does not have a capsule

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