SALIVARY GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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A salivary gland refers to any of the various exocrine glands in the oral cavity that are responsible for producing and secreting saliva. Saliva is a colorless and viscous fluid that is vital for many functions associated with digestion and oral health. Salivary glands are primarily located within the oral cavity and are found in close proximity to the jawbone, cheeks, and underneath the tongue.
Salivary glands play a crucial role in maintaining oral health as well as aiding in the digestion of food. These glands are responsible for producing and releasing saliva into the mouth, which helps to soften and break down food particles, making it easier to swallow and digest. Additionally, saliva contains enzymes that initiate the process of chemical digestion by breaking down starches and fats.
There are three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. The largest of these is the parotid gland, which is located near the ear, while submandibular glands are positioned beneath the lower jaw and sublingual glands are located underneath the tongue. These glands secrete saliva through ducts that connect them to the oral cavity.
A dysfunction or disorder in the salivary glands can lead to various conditions, such as dry mouth syndrome or xerostomia, which can result in difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking, as well as an increased risk of dental cavities and infections. Consequently, maintaining proper salivary gland function is essential for overall oral health and well-being.
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One of the three pairs of glands furnishing the saliva; they are the parotid, sublingual, and submaxillary; these are called the oral salivary glands in distinction to the pancreas or abdominal salivary gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SALIVARY GLAND
- aalivary gland
- zalivary gland
- xalivary gland
- dalivary gland
- ealivary gland
- walivary gland
- szlivary gland
- sslivary gland
- swlivary gland
- sqlivary gland
- sakivary gland
- sapivary gland
- saoivary gland
- saluvary gland
- saljvary gland
- salkvary gland
- salovary gland
- sal9vary gland
- sal8vary gland
Etymology of SALIVARY GLAND
The word salivary gland originates from the Latin term saliva, meaning spit or spittle, and the Latin word glandula, translating to gland.
Similar spelling words for SALIVARY GLAND
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