The term "ductus sublingualis minor" refers to one of the salivary glands located in the mouth. The spelling of this word starts with "d" followed by "u" pronounced as /dʌktəs/ and then "s" pronounced as /sʌbˈlɪŋɡwəlɪs/. The final part of the word is "minor", pronounced as /maɪnər/. The pronunciation of this word is crucial in the medical field, as it distinguishes one anatomy from another. Therefore, it is essential to use the correct IPA phonetic transcription while spelling the word.
The term "ductus sublingualis minor" refers to a small salivary gland duct located underneath the tongue.
Specifically, "ductus" is a Latin term for duct, which is a tubular structure that carries secretions from glands to a specific location. "Sublingualis" means beneath the tongue, derived from the Latin words "sub," meaning under, and "lingua," meaning tongue. Lastly, "minor" indicates that this particular duct is a smaller branch or subsidiary of a larger system.
The ductus sublingualis minor is part of the sublingual gland, which is one of the major salivary glands within the oral cavity. This gland produces and releases saliva, a fluid that helps with the initial digestion of food by moistening it and aiding in the formation of a bolus for swallowing.
The ductus sublingualis minor functions by transporting the saliva secreted by the sublingual gland to the mouth through an opening on the floor of the mouth called the sublingual caruncle. This allows the saliva to mix with food particles and assist in the breakdown and lubrication of the ingested material, enhancing the process of oral digestion.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the ductus sublingualis minor contributes to the overall knowledge of the oral cavity's complex network of structures and their roles in maintaining oral health and facilitating the digestive process.
One of the ducts of Rivinus or Rivini, ducts of the sublingual salivary glands, Walther's ducts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.