The answer depends on whether the salivary glands are stimulated or not.
Unstimulated Saliva Production
In the resting state (unstimulated), the submandibular glands produce the most saliva, contributing approximately 70% of the total unstimulated salivary output. This is supported by multiple sources [3, 7].
Stimulated Saliva Production
However, when stimulated, such as during eating, the parotid glands become the major saliva producers, contributing more than 50% of the total saliva. This is confirmed by several studies [3]. While the parotid glands are the largest salivary glands [2], their contribution to overall saliva production changes significantly with stimulation. In the resting state, they contribute a smaller percentage (around 10%) [4], but this increases dramatically during eating.
Summary of Salivary Gland Contributions
Here's a summary table to illustrate the differences:
| Gland | Unstimulated Saliva Production (%) | Stimulated Saliva Production (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Submandibular | ~70% | <50% |
| Parotid | ~10% | >50% |
| Sublingual | The remaining percentage | The remaining percentage |
Therefore, there isn't a single definitive answer to the question. The gland producing the most saliva depends on whether the glands are stimulated or at rest.
