salivares

Salivares, in historical and some anatomical usage, denotes the salivary glands, a group of exocrine glands that secrete saliva into the oral cavity. In modern English, the term salivary glands is more common, but salivares appears in Latin-based nomenclature and older anatomical texts.

The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Minor glands are numerous, scattered across the lips, cheeks, palate, and tongue. Each gland forms secretory units called acini connected to ducts: Stensen's (parotid), Wharton's (submandibular), and multiple small ducts for minor glands.

Saliva produced by the salivares serves lubrication, digestion, and oral defense. The average daily output is about 0.5 to 1.5 liters, higher with stimulation. Composition includes water, electrolytes, mucus, enzymes such as amylase, and antimicrobial proteins like lysozyme and secretory IgA.

Secretion is regulated primarily by the parasympathetic nervous system, via the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves. Sympathetic input increases protein content and reduces flow. Taste, mastication, and conditioned reflexes promote secretion.

Clinical relevance: xerostomia (dry mouth) can result from medications, dehydration, or autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Sialolithiasis refers to salivary stones, most commonly in the submandibular gland. Tumors and infections may affect the salivares; imaging modalities include ultrasound, MRI, and sialography.

Development: the glands arise from oral epithelium with mesenchymal interactions; major glands form earlier and produce serous or mixed secretions.