Which of the following is the largest salivary gland?

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland in the human body. Situated near the ear, it is responsible for producing a significant portion of saliva, particularly during the process of chewing. Saliva secreted from the parotid gland contains enzymes such as amylase, which begins the digestive process in the mouth, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by helping to neutralize acids and providing lubrication.

In contrast, the submandibular gland, while also significant in size and function, is smaller than the parotid gland and located beneath the jaw. The sublingual gland is even smaller and situated beneath the tongue, mainly producing mucous saliva. Minor salivary glands are numerous but are not considered large glands; they are distributed throughout the oral cavity and are much less prominent than the major glands.

The size and location of the parotid gland allow it to have a considerable impact on the overall production of saliva, which is why it is recognized as the largest salivary gland.