Anatomical Considerations

The general anatomy and histology of human major and minor salivary glands are described. The sublingual glands and all minor glands develop in the submucosa close to the sites of the oral mucosa where the openings of their excretory ducts are located. Particular attention is paid to the development of the submandibular and parotid glands. The final anatomical location and morphology of these glands, as well as the lengths of their excretory ducts, are influenced by the rapid facial growth and development, and the spatial restrictions imposed by the developing muscles, nerves, and organs that are present in this shared connective tissue space.