Salivatory

Salivatory is an adjective relating to saliva or the salivary glands. In anatomy and physiology, it describes the production, secretion, or regulation of saliva, as well as the structures involved.

Salivary glands include three paired major glands—the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands—and numerous minor glands within the oral mucosa. They produce saliva through serous and mucous secretions, which are collected by a network of ducts, notably Stensen's duct from the parotid and Wharton's duct from the submandibular gland, along with multiple small ducts from minor glands.

Secretion is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Parasympathetic stimulation via the facial nerve (CN VII) and glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) promotes copious, enzyme-rich saliva, while sympathetic activity modulates the volume and composition. The salivatory nucleus in the medulla coordinates salivation as part of salivary reflexes triggered by taste, smell, or anticipation.

Saliva serves lubrication, oral hygiene, and digestion. It moistens food, facilitates swallowing, contains enzymes such as amylase, buffers pH, and has antimicrobial components like lysozyme and lactoferrin.

Clinical relevance includes xerostomia (dry mouth), which occurs with dehydration, medications, or disease; sialolithiasis, or salivary stones; autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren syndrome affecting salivary glands; and tumors of the salivary glands, which are uncommon but clinically significant.

The term salivatory derives from Latin saliva. In usage, it appears in phrases such as salivary glands, salivatory reflex, or salivatory pathways.