Question

While explaining the importance of performing an extraoral examination, your patient asks several questions about which structures you will be assessing. Each of the following salivary glands is palpated during the extraoral examination, EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

1) Parotid gland
2) Submandibular gland
3) Sublingual gland
4) Minor salivary glands

Answer 1

During an extraoral examination, the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are assessed, while the minor salivary glands are not.

Step-by-step explanation:

The salivary glands play an important role in producing saliva, which helps lubricate food and initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates. During an extraoral examination, the three major pairs of salivary glands that are assessed include the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual gland. The exception is the minor salivary glands, which are smaller glands housed within the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue.