Salivary glands are exocrine glands responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the oral cavity. [8] Saliva aids in moistening food, digestion, lubrication, and oral hygiene. These glands are composed of serous, mucous, or mixed secretory cells that release enzymes, electrolytes, and mucus to maintain oral health and digestive function. Parotitis is a term for parotid gland swelling, which can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal or other infections, stones, tumors or autoimmune diseases. Learn about the diagnosis, management and prevention of parotitis, and when to see a healthcare provider. Sialography is the imaging of the salivary glands , most commonly the parotid gland . The salivary ducts are conventionally examined fluoroscopically with high sensitivity, though cross-sectional imaging with CT or MR sialography has also been descr... Salivary glands - Anatomy & histology : there are 3 paired major salivary glands : parotid glands , submandibular glands and sublingual glands
