Salivary Gland

An exocrine gland of the oral and maxillofacial region (including major glands—parotid, submandibular, sublingual—and numerous minor glands) composed of secretory acini and ductal systems that produce and secrete saliva, a fluid containing water, electrolytes, enzymes, mucins and antimicrobial proteins that lubricates the oral cavity, initiates digestion, buffers acids and contributes to oral and