##  [Salivary Gland](/salivary-gland) 

  ##  [Salivary Gland](https://health.quantumdictionary.io/salivary-gland-0) 

  

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**Health & Life Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

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