How many pairs of salivary glands are there?

Appeared in: IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

The human body contains three pairs of major salivary glands that produce the bulk of saliva.
These pairs are the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands.
The parotid is the largest pair, the submandibular produces the most saliva, and the sublingual is the smallest pair.
While hundreds of minor salivary glands exist, they are not classified as the primary 'pairs' in anatomy.

Option A: This is an incorrect count. It omits one of the three major pairs of salivary glands.
Option C: This is an incorrect count. There are only three pairs of major salivary glands, not four.
Option D: This is an incorrect count. There are only three pairs of major salivary glands, not five.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of major salivary glands as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Parotitis, inflammation of the parotid gland, is a classic sign of mumps, a viral illness. The swelling is painful due to the gland being enclosed in a tough, unyielding fascia.
Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) can obstruct the ducts, most commonly the submandibular (Wharton's) duct, causing pain and swelling that worsens with eating.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, including the salivary glands, leading to chronic dry mouth (xerostomia).

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on fundamental anatomy.
Identify the key terms in the question: 'how many' and 'pairs of salivary glands'.
Recall the major glands responsible for saliva production in the oral cavity.
Mentally list the three major pairs: 1. Parotid, 2. Submandibular, 3. Sublingual.
Count these pairs, which total three.
Select the option that matches your count, which is '3 pairs'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QvU_6qEyw4pcY0LfzX72OT

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 98-100

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 117-119

Practise the full IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.