PAROTIS Meaning and
Definition
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Parotis refers to a gland that is part of the parotid salivary gland, situated in the area found near the ears, behind the mandibular ramus. The parotis, commonly known as the parotid gland, is the largest of the salivary glands in humans. It is a serous gland, meaning it primarily secretes a watery substance known as serous saliva. The gland is mainly responsible for initiating the digestion process by producing and secreting this saliva into the oral cavity.
The parotis gland is composed of clusters of acini, small grape-like structures that are the functional units responsible for producing the saliva. The ducts of the gland converge to form the Stensen's duct, which carries the saliva from the gland to the oral cavity. The Stensen's duct opens into the mouth at the parotid papilla, located on the mucosa of the cheek, opposite the maxillary second molar.
The parotis gland is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) and primarily vascularized by the external carotid artery. Inflammation or infection of the parotid gland can lead to a condition known as parotitis, which typically presents with pain and swelling in the area around the ear.
In summary, the parotis gland is a large salivary gland located near the ears, responsible for producing serous saliva to initiate the digestive process.
Common Misspellings for PAROTIS
Etymology of PAROTIS
The etymology of the word "Parotis" can be traced back to the Ancient Greek language. It derives from the word "parotis" (παρωτίς) which means "an inflammation of the parotid gland". The term "parotid" itself comes from the combination of "para" (beside) and "ous" (ear), referring to the location of the gland near the ear. The word "Parotis" is commonly used in medical contexts to describe diseases or conditions related to the parotid gland.
