What are the glands in the mouth that produce saliva called?

The glands in the mouth that produce saliva are called salivary glands. These glands play a crucial role in the digestive process by secreting saliva, which contains enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food, as well as substances that help lubricate and cleanse the oral cavity. Salivary glands are specifically categorized as exocrine glands because they release their secretions through ducts directly into the mouth.

While the term "exocrine glands" refers to glands that secrete substances through ducts, it is more generic and can refer to various glands throughout the body, not just those in the mouth. On the other hand, endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream and are not involved in the production of saliva. The term "digestive glands" is broader and can encompass salivary glands, but it does not specifically identify them as the primary source of saliva. Therefore, salivary glands is the most precise and commonly used terminology to describe the glands responsible for saliva production in the mouth.