Mammal, salivary glands (Gross, Low)

Structure List Parotid salivary gland Mandibular salivary gland Dorsal salivary gland Ventral salivary gland Parotid duct

Most mammals have well developed PAROTID, MANDIBULAR and SUBLINGUAL salivary glands. A cow may produce more than 100 liters of saliva per day, principally from its parotid salivary gland. The swallowed saliva of a cow provides a growth medium for bacteria in the rumen (a chamber of the stomach). Most of the salivary glands are derived embryologically from invaginations of the oral cavity epithelium. Birds can produce generous amounts of saliva which is discharged from several sets of salivary glands through barely visible openings.