Final answer:
The three pairs of major salivary glands responsible for saliva production are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, with the sublingual glands being located beneath the tongue.The correct option is (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
Saliva is produced by three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Each of these glands has a unique location and function in the process of saliva production and secretion into the mouth.
The parotid glands are the largest of the three and are situated on either side of the mouth, in front of the ears. They secrete saliva through the parotid duct, located near the second upper molar tooth. The submandibular glands, found in the floor of the mouth, deliver saliva to the oral cavity through the submandibular ducts. Lastly, the sublingual glands, which reside beneath the tongue, release saliva into the mouth via the lesser sublingual ducts.
These glands are essential for maintaining oral health by producing saliva, which contains digestive enzymes and mucus that moisten food, initiate carbohydrate digestion, and help protect the mucosal surfaces of the mouth. The correct answer to the question is sublingual, which are the glands located underneath the tongue.