Salivary Gland Disorders

The oral cavity is a moist environment; a film of fluid called saliva constantly coats its inner surfaces and occupies the space between the lining oral mucosa and the teeth. Salivary function provides host protection, assists in the initiation of food and fluid intake, and enables communication through speech. In humans there are three pairs of major salivary glands - the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual - located out side oral cavity, encapsulated, and with extended duct system to discharge their secretions. There are also a multitude of smaller minor salivary glands - the labial, lingual, palatal, glossopalatine, and retromolar - located just below and within the mucous membranes, unencapsulated, and with short duct systems.

Pagina's: 152, Paperback, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing