SALIVARY DUCT Meaning and
Definition
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A salivary duct refers to a tiny, tubular structure that plays a crucial role in the process of saliva production and transport in the human body. It is a narrow passageway that carries saliva from the salivary glands, where saliva is produced, to the mouth, where it is utilized for various functions related to digestion and oral health.
There are three major pairs of salivary glands in the mouth, known as the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Each of these glands consists of multiple lobules, and within each lobule, there are numerous specialized cells called acini responsible for secreting saliva. Once saliva is generated, it flows through intricate networks of interconnected salivary ducts that extend from the lobules.
The salivary ducts are lined with epithelial cells and are designed to transport the produced saliva efficiently. These ducts possess delicate structures that enable them to reabsorb water and other essential components from the filtrate, resulting in the final composition of saliva. The ducts gradually merge and converge, forming larger ducts until they eventually unite together, leading to a single main duct called the Stensen's duct, Wharton's duct, or Bartholin's duct, depending on the salivary gland.
The salivary ducts play a significant role in maintaining oral hygiene and facilitating the process of swallowing by providing lubrication within the oral cavity. They also contribute to the initial digestion of food through the release of enzymes present in saliva. Moreover, malfunctions or obstructions within the salivary ducts can lead to dry mouth, discomfort, or various diseases affecting the salivary glands.
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See under Bartholin, Rivinus (the sublingual ducts), Stenson (the parotid d.). and Wharton (the submaxillary d.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SALIVARY DUCT
- aalivary duct
- zalivary duct
- xalivary duct
- dalivary duct
- ealivary duct
- walivary duct
- szlivary duct
- sslivary duct
- swlivary duct
- sqlivary duct
- sakivary duct
- sapivary duct
- saoivary duct
- saluvary duct
- saljvary duct
- salkvary duct
- salovary duct
- sal9vary duct
- sal8vary duct
Etymology of SALIVARY DUCT
The word "salivary" is derived from the Latin word "saliva", which means "spittle" or "saliva". "Duct" comes from the Latin word "ductus", meaning "to lead" or "to convey". So, the etymology of the term "salivary duct" can be broken down as:
- "Salivary", from Latin "saliva" (meaning "spittle" or "saliva").
- "Duct", from Latin "ductus" (meaning "to lead" or "to convey").
Together, "salivary duct" refers to a tube or passageway that transports saliva, leading from the salivary glands to the oral cavity.
Similar spelling word for SALIVARY DUCT
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