Saliva moistens/cleanses the mouth, inhibits bacterial growth, dissolves molecules to stimulate taste buds, digests some starch and fat, and eases swallowing by forming bolus. The three extrinsic salivary glands are tubuloacinar glands with treelike duct system leading to the oral cavity. The parotid glands are located just beneath the skin anterior to the earlobes. The submandibular glands are located halfway along the body of the mandible. The sublingual glands are located on the mouth...
