Final answer:
The parotid gland mainly secretes a watery solution with salivary amylase, different from the thicker mucus-containing saliva from other glands and is also a common site for mumps infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microscopic feature of the parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands, consists predominantly of cells that secrete a watery solution rich in salivary amylase. This enzyme is essential for the initiation of starch digestion in the mouth. Unlike the submandibular and sublingual glands, which secrete saliva that is thicker due to mucus content, the parotid gland's secretion is more serous and contains less mucin.
The parotid glands are located in front of and below the ears, near the second upper molar, and are responsible for delivering saliva to the oral cavity through a duct. This gland can also be the site of mumps infection, which is characterized by enlargement and inflammation.
The microscopic features of the parotid gland include cells primarily focused on secreting a watery saliva rich in salivary amylase, differing in composition from other salivary glands.