Salivary Gland

The salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, which is needed to break down food. Saliva also aids in the digestive process by acting as a lubricant and helping to make swallowing more comfortable. Once food has been broken down into particles small enough, it can pass through the narrow opening of the throat (pharynx) and be pulled down into the esophagus on the other side of the pharynx.