Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which glands are located under the tongue and contribute about 10% of total salivary volume?

1. Submandibular glands

2. Sublingual glands

3. Parotid glands

4. Minor salivary glands

The correct answer is: Sublingual glands

The correct choice indicates that the sublingual glands are the ones located under the tongue and contribute approximately 10% of total salivary volume. The sublingual glands are a pair of salivary glands that reside beneath the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth, which is precisely why they are referred to as sublingual (meaning "under the tongue"). These glands secrete a mixed type of saliva but are primarily mucous types, which aids in lubrication and digestion in the oral cavity. Their strategic location allows for the immediate secretion of saliva into the mouth when stimulated, particularly during eating or when tasting food. In contrast, the submandibular glands, which are larger than the sublingual glands, are situated beneath the mandible and contribute a more significant portion of the total salivary volume, around 70%. The parotid glands, located near the ear, produce about 25% of the saliva and are primarily serous in nature, meaning they produce a watery secretion. Lastly, the minor salivary glands are numerous and distribute throughout the oral cavity but contribute a smaller overall volume of saliva compared to the major salivary glands. Therefore, the sublingual glands' specific location