← All explanationsSalivary gland

Where does saliva come from?

Salivary glands produce saliva and release it into the mouth through ducts. There are three pairs of major glands and many minor glands in the oral lining. The gland is the organ; saliva is the fluid it produces.

For training & practice ↓

Simplified lateral anatomy of the three major salivary glands; ducts and their openings are not depicted. — Simplified teaching image · ducts not depicted

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Several sources

Parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands work with smaller glands. Different openings belong to different ducts.

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Moisture and protection

Saliva helps speaking, swallowing and tooth protection. Persistently reduced saliva can contribute to discomfort and dental disease.

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Distinguish causes

Dryness or swelling can relate to medicines, blocked drainage or disease. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

What is its function?

Producing and releasing saliva.

What helps assessment?

Describe symptoms, duration, medicines and relation to meals.

What remains individual?

Assessment and treatment, sometimes with medical specialists.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

Several sources
Parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands work with smaller glands. Different openings belong to different ducts.
Moisture and protection
Saliva helps speaking, swallowing and tooth protection. Persistently reduced saliva can contribute to discomfort and dental disease.
Distinguish causes
Dryness or swelling can relate to medicines, blocked drainage or disease. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice.

Often confused

Salivary gland or saliva?

The gland produces fluid. Saliva then spreads over teeth and oral lining.

Quick answers

Are glands the same as lymph nodes?

No. Salivary glands make saliva; lymph nodes belong to the immune system. A palpable lump needs assessment.

Does dryness prove gland disease?

No. There are several possible causes; symptoms, medication and examination findings are considered together.

Is drinking more always enough?

No. Drinking can moisten the mouth but does not address every cause. Persistent dryness needs discussion.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:

What might explain the change in salivary flow?

Dryness, pain or swelling? A telephone discussion can help arrange appropriate assessment.

Call the practice · 0221 669 401 80Telephone contact

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Major salivary glands: Three paired groups of glands.
Minor salivary glands: Many small glands in the oral lining.
Salivary flow: Delivery of saliva into the mouth.

Make the distinction

The gland produces fluid. Saliva then spreads over teeth and oral lining.

Knowledge questionWhat is a salivary gland?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

A space between teeth.
An organ producing saliva.
A coating on the tongue.

View answer

An organ producing saliva.

The organ and the fluid it produces are different.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.