GLANDULA PAROTIS Meaning and
Definition
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The glandula parotis, also known as the parotid gland, is a salivary gland located on each side of the face, situated just in front of and below the ears. It is the largest of the three major pairs of salivary glands in the human body.
The glandula parotis is a compound exocrine gland that secretes saliva into the oral cavity through the parotid ducts. Its primary function is to produce and secrete watery saliva, which aids in the digestion of food, lubricates the oral cavity, and facilitates the swallowing process.
The gland is composed of numerous lobules, which are further divided into smaller acini. These acini consist of secretory cells that produce saliva. The secretion is then collected by a system of ducts, which merge to form the parotid duct. The parotid duct travels across the masseter muscle, enters the oral cavity, and releases saliva into the mouth near the second upper molar.
The glandula parotis is innervated by the parasympathetic fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve and the sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion. It also receives blood supply from the external carotid artery.
Pathological conditions such as infections (e.g., mumps) or tumors (e.g., parotid gland tumors) can affect the glandula parotis, resulting in swollen or painful glands. In these cases, medical intervention may be necessary to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
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Parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands; one of two glands situated below and in front of the ear, on either side, extending from the angle of the jaw to the zygoma and backward to the sternocleidomastoid muscle; it discharges through Steno's, or Stenson's, duct, ductus parotideus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLANDULA PAROTIS
- glandula paroths
- glandula paroti3
- glandula parotic
- glandula parotiq
- glandula parotir
- g landula parotis
- gl andula parotis
- gla ndula parotis
- glan dula parotis
- gland ula parotis
- glandu la parotis
- glandul a parotis
- glandula pa rotis
- glandula par otis
- glandula paro tis
- glandula parot is
- glandula paroti s
Etymology of GLANDULA PAROTIS
The word "glandula parotis" has its etymology rooted in Latin.
The term "glandula" comes from the Latin word "glandis" meaning "acorn" or "gland". It refers to any small rounded mass or glandular body. In this context, it refers to a gland.
The word "parotis" is derived from the Greek word "parōtís", which means "swelling near the ear". It is a compound of "para", meaning "near", and "ōtís", meaning "ear".
The combination "glandula parotis" specifically refers to the parotid gland, which is the largest of the salivary glands and is located near the ear.
