Which gland is the smallest among salivary glands in the oral cavity?

Prepare for the Arizona State Coronal Polish Exam with comprehensive questions, hints, and explanations. Boost your confidence and knowledge to excel in your exam!

The sublingual gland is indeed the smallest of the major salivary glands found in the oral cavity. It is situated beneath the tongue, which contributes to its relatively small size compared to the parotid and submandibular glands. The sublingual gland primarily produces a mucous type of saliva, which plays a role in lubricating food and aiding in digestion.

In contrast, the parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and is located near the cheek, providing substantial saliva output, especially during the consumption of food. The submandibular gland is also larger than the sublingual gland and is located beneath the jaw, delivering a mixed serous and mucous secretion. The tonsillar gland, while not often categorized directly as a salivary gland, is also not larger than the sublingual gland. Therefore, the focus on size accurately identifies the sublingual gland as the smallest among them.

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