Final answer:
The three major pairs of salivary glands located outside the oral cavity are the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. They produce and secrete saliva, which is important for digestion, lubrication of the mouth, and oral health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Major Salivary Glands
The human body contains three pairs of major salivary glands that are external to the oral cavity, which are essential for the production and secretion of saliva.
- Parotid glands: The largest of the major salivary glands, located on either side of the mouth in front of the ears.
- Submandibular glands: The second largest set of glands, found beneath the lower jaw, which secrete saliva into the mouth through the submandibular duct.
- Sublingual glands: The smallest of the three, located underneath the tongue.
These glands produce saliva which aids in digestion, lubricates the mouth, and contributes to oral health. The parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands release saliva into the mouth through ducts, ensuring the mouth is well-lubricated for speech and digestion.