In human beings, how many pairs of major salivary glands are present in the mouth region that secrete saliva to aid in digestion and lubrication of food?

Introduction / Context:
Saliva plays an important role in the digestive system by moistening food, starting the breakdown of starch, and helping with swallowing. In humans, saliva is secreted mainly by several pairs of major salivary glands located around the mouth. Many biology and general science questions ask how many pairs of such glands humans possess. Understanding this basic anatomical fact is useful for both academic exams and general knowledge about how digestion begins in the mouth.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to human beings.
• It asks for the number of pairs of major salivary glands.
• The options provide different numerical values: 3, 4, 6, 8, and 2.
• We assume standard human anatomy with the three named major glands on each side.

Concept / Approach:
Humans have three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid glands, the submandibular (also called submaxillary) glands, and the sublingual glands. Each pair is located symmetrically on the left and right sides of the face and floor of the mouth. Together, they produce the bulk of saliva secreted into the oral cavity. In addition to these major glands, there are numerous minor salivary glands scattered in the mucosa, but these are not counted as major pairs in standard exam questions. Therefore, the correct approach is to recall that there are three distinct named pairs of major salivary glands in humans.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the parotid glands as one pair, located in front of and below each ear. Step 2: Identify the submandibular glands as the second pair, located beneath the lower jaw on each side. Step 3: Identify the sublingual glands as the third pair, situated under the tongue on each side of the mouth floor. Step 4: Count these major glands: parotid = 1 pair, submandibular = 1 pair, sublingual = 1 pair. Step 5: Add them together to obtain a total of 3 pairs of major salivary glands in humans.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard anatomy textbooks and diagrams of the human oral cavity consistently label three major salivary gland pairs. Clinical conditions such as mumps typically affect the parotid glands, confirming their recognition as a distinct pair. Dental and medical examinations often test the knowledge that three named major salivary glands supply saliva to the mouth. No widely accepted anatomical reference suggests four or more major salivary gland pairs in a typical human. This confirms that 3 is the correct number of pairs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: 4 pairs would imply the existence of an additional major salivary gland pair not recognised in standard human anatomy. Option C: 6 pairs would greatly overstate the number of major glands and confuse them with numerous minor glands. Option D: 8 pairs has no basis in human anatomy and is far above the recognised number. Option E: 2 pairs underestimates the number of major salivary glands by ignoring one of the named pairs, such as the sublingual glands.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up the concept of major and minor salivary glands. Because there are many tiny salivary glands in the mouth, they may assume more pairs than actually exist. Another mistake is forgetting the sublingual glands or confusing submandibular with sublingual positions, leading to an incorrect count. A good memory aid is to remember the three names in order: parotid near the ear, submandibular under the jaw, and sublingual under the tongue, which together form three pairs of major salivary glands.

Final Answer:
Humans have 3 pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.