Question Details

Largest salivary gland is

Options

A

submaxillary

B

parotid

C

sublingual

D

infraorbital

Correct Answer :

parotid

Solution :

The correct option is parotid.

Salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce saliva, which plays a crucial role in digestion, lubrication of the mouth, and oral hygiene. In humans, there are three pairs of major salivary glands:
1. Parotid glands: Located in front of and below each ear. They are the largest of all salivary glands, contributing about 20% to 25% of the total salivary volume in the oral cavity.
2. Submaxillary (submandibular) glands: Located beneath the lower jaw. They are intermediate in size.
3. Sublingual glands: Located under the tongue. They are the smallest of the major salivary glands.

The infraorbital gland is a salivary gland found in some mammals (like rodents and rabbits) located below the eye orbit, but it is not present in humans, nor is it the largest.

Therefore, among the options provided, the parotid gland is the largest salivary gland.

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