Spottkörteln

Spottkörteln, known in English as the salivary glands, are a group of exocrine glands situated in the oral cavity and surrounding structures. They secrete saliva through ducts into the mouth, where saliva lubricates food, begins carbohydrate digestion via amylase, protects teeth from acid erosion, and aids in swallowing and speech. There are three major pairs – the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands – and numerous minor salivary glands dispersed along the mucosal surfaces. The parotid glands are the largest and produce a watery, enzyme-rich fluid; the submandibular glands produce a mixed serous–mucous secretion; and the sublingual glands primarily secrete mucus to lubricate the tongue and floor of the mouth.

The salivary glands derive from the ectoderm and are regulated by neural and hormonal signals, responding to taste, stress, and parasympathetic activation to increase flow. Dysfunction can arise from infections such as acute sialadenitis, viral pathogens like mumps, or bacterial abscesses. Autoimmune conditions, most notably Sjögren’s syndrome, can target these glands leading to xerostomia (dry mouth). Neoplastic changes include benign pleomorphic adenomas and malignant mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Chronic ductal obstruction by sialolithiasis causes painful swelling and potential infection. Treatment ranges from sialogogues and massage to antibiotics, steroid therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Proper diagnosis often involves imaging, sialometry, and in some cases, biopsy.