The GLANDS situated near, and opening into, the cavity of the mouth, in which SALIVA is manufactured. They include the PAROTID GLAND, placed in the deep space that lies between the ear and the angle of the jaw; the submandibular gland, lying beneath the horizontal part of the jaw-bone; and the sublingual gland, which lies beneath the tongue.

Each gland is made up of branching tubes closely packed together, and supported by strong connective tissue. These tubes are lined by large cells that secrete the saliva, and ducts transfer the saliva to openings in the mouth. The parotid gland secretes a clear fluid containing the ENZYME, PTYALIN; in the sublingual gland they mainly produce mucus, whilst the submandibular gland contains cells of both types.

Diseases of the salivary glands include stones in the salivary duct (SIALOLITHIASIS) infections; such as mumps; benign tumours (ADENOMA); CARCINOMA; and swelling of the gland (sialadenosis) due to diabetes, hypothyroidism, CUSHING'S SYNDROME, alcoholism, anorexia or BULIMIA, SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME and drug side-effects.