Which salivary gland is most likely to be affected by the viral infection known as mumps?

The parotid gland is the salivary gland most commonly affected by the viral infection mumps. Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which primarily targets the parotid glands, leading to inflammation and swelling. This characteristic swelling is often visible as the face becomes more rounded in the area of the cheeks, where the parotid glands are located.

Understanding the role of the parotid gland within the salivary gland system is crucial. The parotid gland is responsible for producing serous saliva, which is important for digestion and oral health. When the mumps virus infects this gland, it causes painful swelling and can complicate the condition, leading to other health issues such as orchitis in males or oophoritis in females.

Other salivary glands, such as the submandibular and sublingual glands, can also produce saliva but are less commonly associated with mumps. While infections may potentially affect these glands, the parotid gland remains the primary focus of the mumps virus.