a-short-review-of-histology

Tongue - Salivary Glands:

The oral cavity has numerous salivary glands which drain their secretions into the oral cavity to provide lubrication to the boli of food which are passed down the oesophagus and also to provide for the moistening of the surface epithelium, including the lips, to prevent them from drying out and cracking
In addition to the three pairs of large named salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual) there are numerous small (and un-named) glands scattered throughout the wall of the oral cavity and also in the tongue
Collectively these glands secrete both serous secretions that are rich in enzymes and which aid digestion, and mucous secretions whose functions are more concerned with lubrication of the boli of food and the prevention of dehydration
Individually, some glands are serous, some glands are mucous and some are mixed, that is they have both serous and mucous cells
The sublingual glands are mixed (serous and mucus) salivary glands
The sublingual gland, on each side, lies at the root of the tongue, and deep to the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth
They are described elsewhere