Humans have three pairs of salivary glands—parotid, su-bmandibular and sublingual. The parotid is the largest and is situated in front of the ear. It weighs about 30 gm and contributes about 25 per cent of our total salivary secretion. It releases saliva through the Stenson's duct, which opens opposite the upper second molar tooth. Saliva contains an enzyme called 'ptyalin' or salivary alpha-amylase, which helps in digestion by breaking down starch into maltose.
— Avinash Inamdar, recd via email