Page 13 - Head and neck surgery

There are estimated to be 800-1000 minor

salivary glands in the oral cavity measuring

1-2mm in diameter.

Minor salivary glands are found in high

concentration at the palate, lips and buccal

mucosa.

Secretion is mainly mucous. Unlike the major

salivary glands, the minor glands are not

encapsulated and they either share duct

systems with adjacent salivary glands or have

their own.