Salivary gland
A salivary gland is an exocrine organ that produces saliva and releases it through ducts into the mouth or, in some animals, the digestive tract.
Acinus: A cluster of secretory cells that produces and releases fluid into a small duct. Acini are the basic secretory units in major salivary glands.
Parotid gland: The largest major salivary gland, located in front of and below each ear. It produces predominantly serous saliva and is a common site of viral inflammation.
Saliva: A watery oral fluid containing water, electrolytes, mucus, enzymes, and antimicrobial substances. It is the gland’s product, supporting lubrication, digestion, taste, and defense.
Exocrine gland: A gland that releases its products through ducts onto an epithelial surface. Salivary glands belong to this class because their secretion travels through ducts.
Salivary duct: A channel that carries saliva from secretory tissue toward the mouth. Duct cells modify saliva as it travels from an acinus to the oral cavity.
Submandibular gland: A paired major salivary gland beneath the lower jaw. It supplies much of resting saliva and is prone to duct stones.
Xerostomia: The subjective sensation of dry mouth, often associated with reduced salivary flow. Impaired gland output or altered sensation can make eating and speaking difficult.
Digestive system: The organs and processes that ingest food, digest it, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. Salivary glands begin digestion before food reaches the stomach.
Salivary secretion: The production and release of saliva by secretory cells and ducts. It describes the fluid movement and ion changes that make gland output usable.
Sublingual gland: The smallest major salivary gland, situated beneath the tongue. Its mainly mucous secretion enters the floor of the mouth through small ducts.