The smallest salivary gland is the sublingual gland.
Salivary Glands: An Overview
Salivary glands are crucial for oral health, producing saliva that aids in digestion and maintains oral hygiene. There are three major pairs of salivary glands:
- Parotid Glands: The largest salivary glands, located in front of the ears.
- Submandibular Glands: Found under the jaw, these glands are medium-sized.
- Sublingual Glands: These are the smallest salivary glands, located under the tongue.
The Sublingual Gland
The sublingual gland is the smallest of the three major salivary glands. It is situated in the floor of the oral cavity between several muscles including [1]:
- Geniohyoid muscle
- Hyoglossus muscle (medially)
- Mylohyoid muscle (inferiorly)
Characteristics of the Sublingual Gland
- Size: The smallest of the major salivary glands [1].
- Location: Positioned beneath the tongue, in the floor of the mouth.
- Function: Primarily produces a mucus-rich saliva, which is important for lubrication and swallowing.
- Structure: Consists of multiple smaller ducts that secrete saliva into the oral cavity.
Salivary Gland Comparison
| Salivary Gland | Size | Location | Primary Secretion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parotid | Largest | In front of the ears | Serous |
| Submandibular | Medium | Under the jaw | Mixed (Serous/Mucous) |
| Sublingual | Smallest | Under the tongue | Mucous |
Understanding the size and location of these glands is crucial for diagnosing and treating various oral and maxillofacial conditions. The sublingual gland, despite being the smallest, plays a vital role in oral health.
