Anatomical Structure, Neurological and Clinical Correlations of Glandula Salivariae
Chapter from the book:
Koç Direk,
F.
(ed.)
2024.
Clinical and Morphological Approaches to Anatomy.
Synopsis
Salivaria (saliva) is a fluid body fluid that functions in the digestive function, contains many immune substances, and has many functions for the oral cavity and the entire organism. The exocrine glands that synthesize the secretion called saliva, transmit these secretions to the mucosal surface through a duct, and are located in and around the mucosa of the cavitas oris are called glandulae salivaria (salivary glands). The salivary glands contribute to functions such as digestion, oral hygiene, and speech by providing saliva production and excretion in the mouth. There are three pairs of major salivary glands in the cavitas oris: glandula parotidea, glandula submandibularis, and glandula sublingualis. Of the 1-1.5 liters of saliva produced daily, 45% is glandula parotidea, 45% is glandula submandibularis, and 5% is glandula sublingualis. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland, located in front of the ear, and produces serous (watery) secretions. The submandibular gland is located in the submandibular region and produces both serous and mucous (sticky) secretions. The sublingual gland is located in the sublingual region and produces mucosal secretions. The anatomical locations of the major salivary glands are clinically and surgically important in terms of their close proximity to neurovascular structures. The lingual glands, labiales glands, buccales glands, molares glands, palatinae glands, and other minor salivary glands are also located under the mucosa in the cavitas oris, and discharge their secretions into the cavitas oris through small channels. All of these glands are called salivary glands minores. The functions of the salivary glands are regulated by nervous impulses. The parasympathetic nervous system is the main stimulant that increases saliva production.