The word "glandula maxillaris" refers to a salivary gland located near the jaw. Its pronunciation is /ˌɡlændjʊlə mækˈsɪlərɪs/. The first part of the word, "glandula", is pronounced with a hard "g" sound and a stress on the second syllable. The second part, "maxillaris", is pronounced with a stress on the third syllable and a soft "c" sound in the second syllable. Overall, this word can take some practice to pronounce correctly due to its length and complexity.
Glandula maxillaris, also known as the maxillary gland, is a salivary gland located in the upper jaw. It is one of the three major paired salivary glands in humans, along with the parotid and submandibular glands.
In terms of anatomical location, the glandula maxillaris is situated within the maxilla, which is the bone forming the upper jaw. It lies deep within the oral cavity, in close proximity to the posterior region of the maxillary sinus.
This gland plays a crucial role in saliva production, contributing to both the lubrication and digestion of food. It secretes saliva into the oral cavity through a duct known as the maxillary duct, which typically opens into the mouth opposite the second upper molar tooth. The saliva produced by the glandula maxillaris aids in moistening food, facilitating swallowing, and initiating the digestion process.
Additionally, the glandula maxillaris also serves as a reservoir for saliva, ensuring a continuous supply of this fluid. It is innervated by parasympathetic fibers that are part of the facial nerve, and these nerve fibers stimulate the gland to produce saliva when triggered by stimuli such as the presence of food or a sensory cue. The glandula maxillaris plays an integral role in maintaining oral health and overall digestion.
G. submaxillaris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "glandula maxillaris" is derived from Latin. Here's the breakdown:
1. Glandula: The Latin word "glandula" translates to "gland" in English. It is derived from the Latin verb "glans", meaning "acorn" or "gland". This is because certain glands in the body have a shape resembling an acorn.
2. Maxillaris: This Latin word means "of the jaw" or "pertaining to the jaw". It is derived from the Latin noun "maxilla", referring to the jawbone.
When combined, "glandula maxillaris" describes a gland located near or related to the jawbone.