Saliva

Salivary glands are classified, based on their size, as major or minor salivary glands. More than 90% of the saliva is secreted from the major salivary glands of which there are three pairs: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands (Fig. 7.1). The numerous minor salivary glands include the palatinal, buccal, labial, lingual (von Ebner's), and retromolar glands. Minor salivary glands are located in the submucosa throughout the oral cavity and are named depending on their anatomical locations.