Sublingual gland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sublingual gland |
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| Salivary glands | |
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| Salivary glands: #1 is Parotid gland, #2 is Submandibular gland, #3 is Sublingual gland | |
| Latin | Glandula sublingualis |
| System | Digestive system |
| Artery | Sublingual artery (branch of lingual artery of external carotid artery) |
| Nerve | Submandibular ganglion |
| Lymph | Submandibular lymph nodes |
The sublingual glands are small but important parts of your body that help you eat and digest food! They are one of three main pairs of salivary glands, which are special glands that make saliva (also known as spit). The other two main pairs are the parotid glands and the submandibular glands.
These glands are located right in the front part of the bottom of your mouth, tucked away under your tongue. They are the smallest of the three main salivary glands.
What Do Salivary Glands Do?
Salivary glands, including the sublingual glands, have a very important job: they produce saliva. Saliva is much more than just spit! It plays several key roles in your body:
- Helps with Digestion: Saliva contains special chemicals called enzymes that start breaking down food as soon as it enters your mouth.
- Makes Food Easier to Swallow: Saliva moistens your food, turning it into a soft, easy-to-swallow ball.
- Keeps Your Mouth Clean: Saliva helps wash away food bits and bacteria, which can prevent cavities and gum problems.
- Protects Your Teeth: It also contains minerals that help keep your tooth enamel strong.
How Sublingual Glands Work
The sublingual glands produce a type of saliva that is mostly mucus. Mucus is a thick, slippery liquid that helps to lubricate food, making it easier to chew and swallow. This is different from the parotid glands, which make more watery saliva, and the submandibular glands, which make a mix of both.
The saliva from the sublingual glands is released into your mouth through several small tubes called ducts. These ducts open directly onto the floor of your mouth, under your tongue.
Images for kids
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Mandible. Inner surface. Side view.
See also
In Spanish: Glándula sublingual para niños
