INFECTIOUS AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF SALIVARY GLAND

Salivary glands are complex exocrine organs essential for oral and systemic health. They perform vital functions including lubrication, digestion, antimicrobial defense, taste facilitation, buffering of oral pH, and mucosal protection. The three major salivary glands — parotid, submandibular, and sublingual — along with numerous minor glands, work together to maintain oral homeostasis. The parotid gland produces serous, enzyme-rich saliva containing amylase for starch digestion. The submandibular gland provides the majority of unstimulated saliva, while the sublingual gland secretes mainly mucous saliva for lubrication. Saliva is regulated by autonomic control and varies with stimulation and physiological conditions. Salivary glands are clinically significant due to their susceptibility to infections, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, and tumors. Understanding their anatomy and function is essential for effective diagnosis and management.