Question

Largest salivary gland is
A. sublingual
B. submandibular
C. Parotid
D. all of the above

Answer 1

Hint: There are 3 salivary glands. The largest salivary gland is situated around the ear.

Complete Answer:
 In humans, the saliva is secreted by three pairs of major (larger) salivary glands and some minor (small) salivary glands. Saliva, the digestive juice present in the mouth is secreted by the salivary glands.
Major Salivary glands are:
1. Parotid glands
2. Submaxillary or submandibular glands
3. Sublingual glands.

1. Parotid Glands: The parotid gland is the largest of all salivary glands. It is situated at the side of the face just below and in front of the ear. Secretions from these glands are emptied into the oral cavity by the Stensen duct. This duct is long and opens inside the cheek against the upper second molar tooth.
2. Submaxillary Glands: Submaxillary gland or submandibular glands are located around the mandible. Precisely it is located in the submaxillary triangle, medial to the mandible. Saliva from these glands is emptied into the oral cavity by the Wharton duct. The duct opens at the side of the frenulum of the tongue.
3. Sublingual Glands: Sublingual glands are the smallest salivary glands. It is situated in the mucosa at the floor of the mouth below the tongue. Saliva from these glands is poured into various small ducts called ducts of Rivinus. These ducts open beneath the tongue. One of the ducts is larger and it is called the Bartholin duct

So, the correct answer is C Parotid gland.

Note: The contribution of salivary glands to the saliva has an entirely different picture.
Contribution by each major salivary gland is:
1. Parotid glands: 25%
2. Submaxillary glands: 70%
3. Sublingual glands: 5%.