salivary glands Three pairs of glands located on each side of the mouth that form and secrete saliva. The parotid gland, just below and in front of each ear, is the largest of the salivary glands and the one that becomes enlarged in mumps; the submaxillary gland is near the angle of the lower jaw; and the sublingual gland is under the side of the tongue.

salivary glands Glands in many terrestrial animals that secrete saliva into the mouth. In humans there are three pairs: the sublingual, submandibular, and the submaxillary glands. The salivary gland cells of some insect larvae produce giant chromosomes (see polyteny), which are widely used in the study of genetics and protein synthesis.

salivary glands Three pairs of glands in the mouth, which secrete saliva: parotid, submandibular, and submaxillary glands.

salivary glands In many land-dwelling animals, glands that secrete saliva into the mouth.