SALIVARY GLANDS

Salivary glands are essential exocrine organs responsible for secreting saliva, a biologically active fluid that maintains oral mucosal integrity, supports digestion, facilitates speech and swallowing, and provides antimicrobial protection.Disorders of salivary glands range from transient inflammatory conditions to chronic autoimmune disease and malignant neoplasms, making them clinically important in medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, surgery, and otolaryngology.This study aimed to review the anatomical and physiological basis of salivary gland function and to evaluate the common clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of major salivary gland diseases.A narrative review methodology was adopted using standard anatomical and pathology textbooks, PubMed-indexed clinical studies, and international clinical guidance on salivary gland disorders.The findings demonstrate that obstructive disease (particularly sialolithiasis) remains the most frequent non-neoplastic cause of salivary gland swelling, while Sjögren's syndrome represents the most clinically significant autoimmune cause of chronic xerostomia.Salivary gland tumors are uncommon but diagnostically challenging due to diverse histological patterns and variable malignant potential.Ultrasonography and MRI are the most useful non-invasive imaging modalities, and fine needle aspiration cytology remains central for tumor evaluation.Early diagnosis and gland-preserving interventions such as sialendoscopy reduce morbidity and avoid unnecessary gland excision.In conclusion, a structured clinical approach integrating anatomy, symptom patterns, imaging, and histopathology enables accurate diagnosis and effective management, supporting improved outcomes and exam-oriented clinical competence for MBBS students.