Buccal Glands

Buccal Glands are small glands located in the mucous membrane of the cheeks. They produce a secretion that mixes with saliva secreted by the salivary glands.

Buccal glands are present in many mammals, including humans. They are located in the submucosal layer of the buccal mucosa, most often in the posterior parts of the oral cavity. The number of these glands can vary from several tens to several hundred.

The secretion of the buccal glands is a viscous, thick liquid containing the enzyme lysozyme. Lysozyme destroys the cell walls of bacteria, thereby providing an antimicrobial effect in the oral cavity. In addition, the secretion of these glands moisturizes the mucous membrane of the cheeks from the inside and lubricates food, facilitating the swallowing process.

Thus, the buccal glands play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and protecting the oral cavity from infections. Their secretion complements and enhances the action of the main salivary glands.



The buccal glands, also known as the tuberous glands, are small glands located in the lining of the cheeks. They produce a secretion that mixes with secreted saliva, giving it a specific taste. The glands are located on the inner surface of the cheeks and can be detected when the mouth is opened.

The buccal glands play an important role in maintaining oral health. They are involved in the production of saliva, which is necessary to moisturize the oral mucosa and prevent dryness and irritation. In addition, the secretions of the buccal glands contain antibacterial and antifungal substances that help maintain oral health and prevent infections.

One of the features of the buccal glands is their ability to adapt to various conditions. For example, when you eat, the glands secrete more secretions to ensure adequate hydration and protection from bacteria. At the same time, in the absence of food, the buccal glands can decrease in size in order to conserve energy and resources of the body.

However, like other glands in the mouth, the buccal glands can also experience some health problems. For example, they may become less effective due to aging or oral diseases such as periodontal disease. In such cases, it may be necessary to consult a doctor to determine the causes and treatment of buccal gland problems.

Overall, the buccal glands are an important element of oral health and play an important role in providing hydration and protection to the mucous membrane. However, if health problems arise, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.



The buccal gland (literally "cheek gland") is a small gland located on the inside of the cheek near the front of the cheek. It produces a secretion in the form of saliva, which flows down the front side of the slit. This helps moisturize the mouth and protect it from infections.

The secretion of the buccal glands mixes with the saliva secreted by the parotid glands. This process occurs in the minor salivary glands, which are located behind the major salivary glands located at the bottom of the mouth. The saliva then enters the salivary gland duct (also called the salivary canal), located behind the upper palate.

Cheek glands may be involved in a variety of biological processes, including nutrition. As a rule, its secretion is found in saliva and is contained in the body in small quantities. However, under certain conditions, such as dehydration, salivary gland metabolism can increase and provide more saliva to protect the body.

Humans possess only one buccal gland (parotid) on each side of humans, whereas other animals have two buccal glands on each side. Some animals, such as cats, have two to four glands on each cheek. The number of glands is also related to the age and gender of a person. For example, men over 50 and women after menopause have more glands than other adults.

In children and adolescents, the salivary glands work more actively than in adults. As a result, they produce more saliva and secrete it on their lips. This is due to their growth and development leading to their bodies still going through developmental processes.

When there is anxiety or stress, as well as a number of diseases, the salivary glands become more active to produce more saliva. Among the reasons that cause such activation are: cold, dampness, hypovitaminosis, decreased immunity.

The salivary glands are involved not only in regulating dry mouth, but also in the digestion process. Some of the important functions performed by the salivary glands are:

1. Saliva is a breeding ground for bacteria that live on the surface of the tongue, gums and teeth. These bacteria help break down food into smaller pieces, making it more accessible to the stomach. 2. Many types of bacteria that live in the mouth produce enzymes to digest carbohydrates and proteins. This allows the digestive system to obtain nutrients from food. 3. The salivary glands are also important for moisturizing the oral mucosa, which protects the teeth and gums from damage. In addition, saliva contains lysozymes, specific protein molecules that destroy bacteria on the surface of the gums, teeth and tongue. Lysozymes play an important role in maintaining dental health, reducing the risk of caries. 4. During eating, saliva enters the stomach along with food, providing protection from the acidic environment of the stomach and other irritants in it. 5. Some components of saliva can destroy viruses or bacteria. Perhaps that's why when we drink water mixed with sugar to sanitize our toothbrushes, we're more likely to