What percentage of saliva is produced by the sublingual gland?

The sublingual gland is one of the major salivary glands located beneath the tongue. It primarily produces a mucous type of saliva, which plays a crucial role in the initial stages of digestion and helps in lubricating food for easier swallowing. In terms of overall contribution to saliva production, the sublingual gland accounts for approximately 5% of total salivary output.

This percentage emphasizes the relative size and functional output of the sublingual gland compared to other salivary glands, particularly the parotid and submandibular glands, which produce the majority of saliva. Understanding this distribution is important in clinical scenarios where salivary function may be compromised, such as in certain medical conditions or as a side effect of medications, and highlights the significance of each salivary gland in oral health.